Kenneth E. Schnurr, age 89, passed away on Sunday, November 27, 2022. He was born on March 14, 1933 on the family farm near Abbyville, Kansas the son of the late Hunter Wade and Ruby Gertrude (Opdyke) Schnurr.
Ken built himself an amazing life. He and four friends enlisted in the Naval Reserve prior to their high school graduation from Hutchinson High in 1951. He would serve until his honorable discharge in 1956. Ken went to Hutchinson Junior College where he earned a Civil Engineering degree, earning honors with his graduation in 1958.
Two amazing parts of Ken’s life began after his graduation in 1958. That summer he began what would become an amazing career with Eby Construction. Ken worked his way up with the company making an impact on major jobs across many parts of the country building dams, water treatment facilities, missile silos, and many other major projects. He built a reputation as a great estimator and problem solver, being asked to take over many challenging projects. He would retire in 1998 after a forty-year career as Senior Vice President and on the Board of Directors of the holding company, and President of Equipco, a subsidiary company. He defined being a company man.
The other big event of Ken’s life also started in the Fall of 1958 when he went on a blind date with Billie Ruth (Green). This blind date went so well that he and Billie married on January 23, 1959. The two complimented each other so beautifully, Ken providing for Billie, and Billie supporting Ken as work took them all around the country as evidenced by their three children being born in Missouri, Colorado, and Arkansas. The pair shared some amazing experiences like the Kentucky Derby, the Indianapolis 500, Mardi-Gras, and many other events with amazing friends. The two lived a full life until Billie’s passing in 1998, nine days after Ken retired from Eby.
Upon Ken’s retirement and Billie’s passing, Ken then found Betty Jett-Schnurr who he would then marry and at the time of his passing were up to twenty-three years of marriage. These years highlighted by grandkids and family gatherings, building memories for all.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Billie Schnurr; sister, Florine Schnurr; and brothers, Frank (Jack) Schnurr, Wayne Schnurr.
Survivors include his second wife, Betty Jett-Schnurr; children, Joel and wife, Tami Schnurr, Robert and wife, Sonya Schnurr, Jackie and husband, Brad Heyen; step-daughter, Jennifer and husband, Greg Miller; grandchildren, Josh and wife, Ashley Schnurr, Travis Schnurr, Serena and husband, Ken Bigelow, Marisa and husband, Gary Ruggles, Andrew Schnurr, Alyssa Schnurr, Bryce and wife, Cynthia Byrne, Taylor and wife, Nicole Heyen, Eric Heyen, Madeline and husband, Josh Wallentine; step-grandchildren, Keaton Miller and Vaughn Miller; great grandchildren, Kami, Callen, Weston, Lilly, Jameson, Colt, Dakota, Kylie, Kenneth, Branton Qualls, Devin, Brenden, Ava, Rosie, Natalie.
Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 30, 2022 with family present at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W. Highway 54, Wichita. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 1 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 7901 W. 21st Street, Wichita. Private family graveside service will be at Resthaven Freedom Mausoleum, Wichita.
A memorial has been established with Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 7901 West 21st Street, Wichita, Kansas 67205.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ResthavenMortuary-Cemetery.com for the Schnurr family.
