Ken was born February 4th, 1964 in Racine Wisconsin to Ronald and Dorothy Curnes. He attended High School in Lawrence Kansas before going on to graduate from the University of Kansas with a degree in Journalism.
After graduating, Ken enjoyed a career in the advertising world initially working at several national agencies on many well-known, large brands where he developed a specialty in strategic planning. He brought those skills to senior living when he started work at GlynnDevins in 2005.
He was masterful at commanding a room and leading clients and co-workers to smart solutions. Ken was as talented as he was warm and friendly. You could count on Ken to ask the hard questions, whether you liked it or not. He made people think, but also made them laugh. He wasn’t shy to share his own thoughts, opinions and stories, whether you liked them or not! Softball games, Corporate Challenge teams, dancing at holiday parties, appetizer & chili cook-off contests, crazy travel games – Ken was all in. He loved the world of advertising and was proud of what he did. Those who were lucky enough to cross Ken’s path professionally are incredibly fortunate and forever better because of him.
Ken also had many pursuits in his spare time, and was an avid reader and student of history. He lived those passions out further by volunteering at the Johnson County Museum of History, where he recently won the 2018 Volunteer of the Year award and was well-regarded by his colleagues there as a stellar tour-guide and a source of knowledge that few could match.
He showed a continuation for his love of books and reading by trying his hand at authoring, completing numerous short stories and books that had topics ranging from political thrillers to Christmas stories with copious notes stored away for a whole host of stories in between.
Through the entirety of his life Ken also showed a passion for athletics, playing sports such football and baseball from an early age on through High School and continuing his appreciation for the games he played by following his favorite teams, the Jayhawks, Chiefs and Royals consistently each season. He was also a successful (and competitive) Family Fantasy League General Manager as he is currently the 2017 reigning champion of the Curnes family fantasy league.
Ken was also a consummate family man as he always gave his full love and attention to his wife, Debbie and his children, Emily and Michael for whom he was consistently the bedrock of their lives. He was always someone to be counted on as a face in the stands at his children’s events and always was jovial in donning whatever volunteer role was required for Emily’s numerous Student Council events.
Ken is survived by his wife Debbie (Westvold) Curnes, and two children, Michael Curnes and Emily Curnes both of Lenexa. Ken also leaves behind his mother Dorothy Curnes, mother in-law Beverly Westvold, 8 siblings, 4 sisters-in-law, 5 brothers-in-law, 14 nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends too great to mention.
Ken was preceded in death by his father Ron Curnes.
A Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 pm, Wednesday, November 21st at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ken's name to Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center or Great Plains SPCA.
