Kenneth Wilburn Anderson

Kenneth “Ken” Wilburn Anderson, 74, of Valley Center, KS, died December 12, 2015. He was born January 30, 1941, in Oklahoma City, OK in an ambulance on Highway 41 to Jack Anderson and Gertrude (Klusmeyer) Anderson. His family moved from Pauls Valley, Oklahoma to Kansas in 1950. He was the oldest of five children. Ken was fond of singing and playing guitar and often entertained with his brother Jimmy. He graduated from Benton High School in 1959. Ken married Olive Kay Reffner September 28, 1963 in Newkirk, OK. He served in the Kansas Air National Guard from 1966 to 1972. He was activated into the United States Air Force in January 1968 and stationed for a year in Korea starting in July 1968 due to the Pueblo Crisis during the Vietnam War. He enjoyed flying and obtained his pilot’s license in 1970. He graduated from Wichita State University with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering December 1975. He continued to follow WSU sports thereafter, and was proud to have his three daughters and first granddaughter graduate from his alma mater. He worked for KG&E prior to working for Vulcan Chemicals. He retired from Vulcan after over 27 years of service. Ken was passionate about sharing his faith in Jesus and was committed to serving the Lord in various ways including many years serving as deacon and an Awana leader. He took joy in hosting missionaries in his home, served on the missions committee contacting and praying for missionaries, and he delighted in seeing others come to know the Lord as Savior. He was privileged to visit many missionaries on the field when he traveled for his job. He would always bring his daughters a little something from his travels. He coached basketball and softball for his daughters’ teams. Later, he made every effort to support and attend the grandchildren’s sporting and musical events. Ken spent countless hours with his immediate and extended family as he loved them dearly. His gentle, loving nature has touched many lives. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Kay of the home; daughters Rebecca (Shelby) Gobel of Sedgwick, Rachel (Mark) Williams of Lenexa, Ruth (Stephen) Healy of Valley Center; brother Jim (Linda) Anderson of Park City, sisters Lucille (Don) Vinson of McLoud, OK, Neva (Preston) Orr of Hesston, Brenda (Rodney) Thomas of Bentonville, AR; grandchildren Megan (James) Gross of Redondo Beach, CA, Alex (Savannah) Gobel of Springfield, MO, Evan Williams of Austin, TX, Elaine Williams and Erin Williams of Lenexa, Faith Healy and Aidan Healy of Valley Center; great-granddaughter Evie Gobel of Springfield, MO; numerous nephews, nieces, and extended family. Visitation will be at Hillside Funeral Home West, 2929 W 13th St, Wichita, from 4-6 p.m., Friday, December 18th. Service will be at Valley Center Christian Church, 1801 E. 5th St., Valley Center at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 19th with interment immediately following at Green Valley Cemetery, Springdale Rd & 109th St., Furley, KS. Please designate memorials to Faith Church, 325 N. Emporia, Valley Center.