Ken was born on June 13, 1927 in Corning, California. He was the only son of Dr. Lester Crawford Gartin and Helen Maxine Hartley. He lived most of his life in Independence, Missouri; growing up in Sugar Creek, Missouri, having graduated from North East High School in Kansas City, Missouri in 1944. He attended the Kansas City Art Institute after graduating from high school, and enlisted and served in the Navy during World War II.
He married Fleeta Jeanne Akers on June 24, 1949 and was married to her for 57 years until she passed in 2006. They had two children Dennis Mark Gartin, who currently resides in Carrollton, Texas and Bradd Thomas Gartin, who resides in Independence, Missouri. Kenneth leaves behind three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Kenneth worked for Allis Chalmers as a Tool Designer his entire work career. He is a member of the Mount Washington Methodist Church, and attended the Church for over 65 years. His interests were motorcycles, sports cars, walking, and playing cards with friends, especially his best friend Evelyn Clifton. Kenneth was known for his great sense of humor and his quick wit, and he had a love for life and his family.
Graveside Services will be held Saturday, January 30 at 10:00am at Mount Moriah Cemetery, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri.
