During the summer of 1956, while working for Boeing, he met the lovely Marilyn Baker. Shortly after, on July 18, 1961 in Wichita, Kansas, they were married. It’s a good thing they both loved to travel, because during their 62 years together, Kenneth and Marilyn traveled to 75 countries. When he wasn’t traveling with the love of his life, Kenneth worked for TWA for 30 years where he held positions from an engineer to the Vice President of Engineering.
He enjoyed going to work every day until he retired at the age of 50. After retirement, Kenneth and Marilyn spent time traveling, he played golf, tennis and competed in two USTA National Championships. The couple also enjoyed spending time at their second home in Florida.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, on April 5, 2023; his parents, Alvia and Lela Johnston; his sister, Audrey Shaw and her husband Willis Shaw; and his brother Keith Leslie. Survivors include Kenneth’s nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to a Visitation 10-11 a.m., followed by a Memorial Service at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 13 at White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Rd., Gladstone, MO. If you wish to honor Kenneth’s life with a gift in lieu of flowers, consider donating to the American Cancer Society.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.dwnwhitechapel.com.
