1924
Kenneth
2015
Kenneth Kalen
April 6, 1924 — February 6, 2015
Kenneth E. Kalen of Prairie Village, KS passed away peacefully on February 6, 2015 at his home in Santa Marta retirement community.
Visitation will be held at Johnson County Funeral Chapel Thursday, February 12, 2015 between 5:00 and 7:00 pm located at 11200 Metcalf Ave. A memorial service will be held at the Village Presbyterian Church Chapel 6641 Mission Rd. at 11:00 AM on Friday the 13th, 2015. Following the memorial service, the family will receive friends in the fellowship hall. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.johnsoncountychapel.com.
Ken was born April 6, 1924 in Miles City, Montana, the second son of Lawrence and Florence Kalen. He graduated from Parkville High School in 1941, where he lettered in basketball and football. He attended Baker University for a short time and met the love of his life Elaine Handlen. His education was interrupted when he entered military service in the United States Air Force. Graduating from flight training in March 1944, he was assigned to the 397th Squadron of the 368th Fighter Group located in France. He served as a fighter pilot flying 78 missions in P-47’s and being awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross, Presidential Unit Citation and Air Medal with numerous Oak Leaf Clusters. After the end of World War II, he returned home and continued his education at the University of Missouri, where he earned an engineering degree. While a student at the university, he married Elaine Handlen in 1947.
Following graduation from the University of Missouri, he was employed by Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Co. and enjoyed a long satisfying career serving in various capacities retiring as President in 1989.He received an Honor Award for distinguished service in Engineering from the University in 1983. During his career in Kansas City he was active in community affairs including being chairman of the United Way campaign in 1985. He also served as a member of the Civic Council, Chamber of Commerce, Society of Fellows, American Royal, Midwest Research Institute, American Gas Association, Institute of Gas Technology, Independent Natural Gas Association and other business related organizations.
Ken was preceded in death by his father L. Lawrence Kalen, mother Florence Kalen , brother David D. Kalen, his beloved wife Elaine, his eldest son Stephen Kalen and daughter-in-law Melanie Audley. He enjoyed many activities including golf, traveling, art, theater and being with his family and friends, all of whom enjoyed his sense of humor. He has been an active supporter of The Village Presbyterian Church since 1979. He was a member of the Kansas City Club for many years and was a member of Indian Hills Country Club since 1974. He was a member of American Legion Post 129.
He is survived by his son, Daniel A. Kalen of Kansas City, MO, Daughter-in law Lynne Kalen and four grandchildren Amanda K. Kalen, Michelle N. Hadachek (Tim), Parker K. Kalen, and Alexander D. Kalen.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Village Presbyterian Church PO Box 8050 Prairie Village, Ks 66208 or the charity of your choice.
Visitation will be held at Johnson County Funeral Chapel Thursday, February 12, 2015 between 5:00 and 7:00 pm located at 11200 Metcalf Ave. A memorial service will be held at the Village Presbyterian Church Chapel 6641 Mission Rd. at 11:00 AM on Friday the 13th, 2015. Following the memorial service, the family will receive friends in the fellowship hall. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.johnsoncountychapel.com.
Ken was born April 6, 1924 in Miles City, Montana, the second son of Lawrence and Florence Kalen. He graduated from Parkville High School in 1941, where he lettered in basketball and football. He attended Baker University for a short time and met the love of his life Elaine Handlen. His education was interrupted when he entered military service in the United States Air Force. Graduating from flight training in March 1944, he was assigned to the 397th Squadron of the 368th Fighter Group located in France. He served as a fighter pilot flying 78 missions in P-47’s and being awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross, Presidential Unit Citation and Air Medal with numerous Oak Leaf Clusters. After the end of World War II, he returned home and continued his education at the University of Missouri, where he earned an engineering degree. While a student at the university, he married Elaine Handlen in 1947.
Following graduation from the University of Missouri, he was employed by Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Co. and enjoyed a long satisfying career serving in various capacities retiring as President in 1989.He received an Honor Award for distinguished service in Engineering from the University in 1983. During his career in Kansas City he was active in community affairs including being chairman of the United Way campaign in 1985. He also served as a member of the Civic Council, Chamber of Commerce, Society of Fellows, American Royal, Midwest Research Institute, American Gas Association, Institute of Gas Technology, Independent Natural Gas Association and other business related organizations.
Ken was preceded in death by his father L. Lawrence Kalen, mother Florence Kalen , brother David D. Kalen, his beloved wife Elaine, his eldest son Stephen Kalen and daughter-in-law Melanie Audley. He enjoyed many activities including golf, traveling, art, theater and being with his family and friends, all of whom enjoyed his sense of humor. He has been an active supporter of The Village Presbyterian Church since 1979. He was a member of the Kansas City Club for many years and was a member of Indian Hills Country Club since 1974. He was a member of American Legion Post 129.
He is survived by his son, Daniel A. Kalen of Kansas City, MO, Daughter-in law Lynne Kalen and four grandchildren Amanda K. Kalen, Michelle N. Hadachek (Tim), Parker K. Kalen, and Alexander D. Kalen.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Village Presbyterian Church PO Box 8050 Prairie Village, Ks 66208 or the charity of your choice.
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