IN MEMORIAM
EXPANDED EULOGIES
Kenneth Winkley
Private graveside services with military honors for Kenneth P. Winkley, 86, formerly of Hutchinson, who died Jan 1. at St. Luke’s South Hospital, Overland Park, of COVID-19 complications, were Tuesday at Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson, with the Rev. Dr. David Dubovich officiating.
The family is planning a Celebration of Life this summer.
He was born June 14, 1934, in Aulne to Leon Christopher and Laura Ella (Wait) Winkley.
He graduated from Marion High School in 1952. After serving in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957 at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, he moved to Hutchinson in 1958.
For decades, he owned and operated Winkley’s Service Station at 26th and Main Sts. with the help of his family, one of the few remaining full-service stations around.
He was known by his customers for his outstanding customer service and took great pride in going above and beyond to take care of them, even surprising them by cleaning their driveways after it snowed.
In addition, he owned many rental properties, and was a member of Park Place Christian Church.
He was a car guy at heart: souping up cars in his younger days, taking care of customers’ cars, and showing off his classic cars in parades, car shows, and at the Kansas State Fair.
He loved to quail hunt, entirely for the opportunity to be together with family and friends but would always be quick to tease that “he got that one” because his kids or grandkids “couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn door.”
He was a longtime supporter of the Hutchinson Blue Dragons and volunteered for the NJCAA basketball tournament.
He loved being around people, always taking time to chat at the station and ballgames, and he especially enjoyed having coffee with good friends at various Hutchinson establishments.
Most of all, he loved his family and was a supportive father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
He married Carol Stalcup in 1994 and is survived by sons Kenny (and wife Connie) Winkley, Topeka; Kevin (and wife Luci) Winkley, Olathe; daughters Kimberly (and husband Joel) Nitz; Kristine (and husband Kent) Nuss, all of Overland Park; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John and Robert; and sisters, Ailene Dyche and Joan Wambsganss.
Memorials have been established with Park Place Christian Church or to the Alzheimer’s Association, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N Main St, Hutchinson, KS 67501.