Kenneth Raymond Stein, 79, died June 26, 2022, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. He was born on April 15, 1943, in Spearville, Kansas, the son of Eugene Patrick and Josephine (Torline) Stein.
Ken was a lifetime resident living on the family far south of Wright, Kansas. He completed eight grades at the Wright elementary school and complete four years of high school at St. Mary of the Plains in Dodge City. He played football for the “Crusaders” and played one year of football for the “Cavaliers” before marrying his high school sweetheart, Hattie Brown on January 5, 1963, in Buffalo, Oklahoma. She survives. He worked for the Kansas Gas Service for 25 years before retiring. Kenny had a passion for farming and taking care of the family farm. He also loved coaching Babe Ruth Baseball and going to Monday night pool league. Kenny was also a very creative wood and metal artist creating many things in his shop. He was well known at the gas plant for engineering an emergency escape door handle for the gas plant, which he received a patent on from the government for his invention. Kenny was an avid Cincinnati Bengals fan.
He was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church, St. Andrews Knights of Columbus, Wright Senior Center and Monday Night Pool League all of Wright.
He is survived by his wife Hattie of the home; two sons Douglas Stein and wife Donna of Salina, Kansas; Patrick Stein of Petersburg, Virginia; four daughters Alicia Berzins and husband Peteris of Mesa, Arizona; Rhonda Simmons and husband Darrin of Mason, Ohio; Kendra Griffin and husband Ben of Mt. Airy, North Carolina; Nichole Clinger and husband Pace of Mesa, Arizona. He is also survived by one brother Maurice Stein of Chandler, Arizona as well as 18 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Josephine Stein; one brother Floyd Stein and two sisters Carol Jean Allen and Valeria Mueller as well as two great grandchildren Beckham Berzins and Jess Stein.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Andrews Catholic Church on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at 10:30 AM with Rev. Ted Stoecklein presiding. Burial will follow at St. Andrew's Cemetery in Wright. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Vigil service will be held at 7:00 PM Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Wright, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to St. Andrews Cemetery Fund or Knights of Columbus Wright KS Council in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.