Kenneth Eugene Burkart

Kenneth Eugene Burkart (Kenny), 82, of Lawrence, KS passed away on April 19, 2022, surrounded by family at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

A private burial will be held on Monday afternoon. Visitation for family and friends will be from 5pm to 7pm on Monday April 25 at Warren McElwain Mortuary, 120 W 13th St. in Lawrence, KS. A brief service will follow the visitation.

Ken was born January 3, 1940, to Paul John and Mary Helen (Lucias) Burkart in Atchison, KS and grew up on the family farm in rural Atchison. He graduated in 1958 from Maur Hill Prep School in Atchison. He continued his education at Central Tech Institute in Kansas City where he graduated with a degree in electronics.

Ken married Evelyn Marie Cooley of Atchison, KS on December 30, 1959. They were married for 60 years.

He had a long career at the University of Kansas in electronic communication services. Prior to his work at KU, he worked in electronic manufacturing at the Atomic Energy Commission in Kansas City, MO and Toretel in Grandview, MO.

Ken was a devout Catholic and long-time member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence, KS.

He loved following his children and grandchildren’s sporting events and activities and was happiest at family gatherings. Other hobbies included fishing and woodworking along with following his favorite sporting teams, the Jayhawks, Chiefs and Royals.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn; and children Terry (Heather) Burkart; Andy (Barb) Burkart; Randy Burkart; Wendy Dickey (Bill Thomas); Krista Johnson (Jeff); Sarah (Shane) Maas.

He is also survived by 14 grandchildren; Courtney (Matt) Stanley; Kyra (John) Blecker; Carter Burkart (Julia Klein); Nick (Sarah) Burkart; Drew Burkart (Elizabeth Thompson), Allen (Chelsea) Burkart; Paige (Caleb) Hiss; Hanna Dickey; Trent Johnson; Max Johnson; Leah Johnson; Dakota Maas, Owen Maas, Brooklin Maas and 7 great grandchildren.

Sibling survivors include Jack Burkart; Wayne Burkart; Tommy Burkart; Gary (Eileen) Burkart; Kathy Winter and Janie Moran.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents and grandchildren Hailee and Jared.

In lieu of flowers, Ken asked for memorial donations to the March of Dimes. The March of Dimes was instrumental in supporting his teenage recovery from polio and he was forever grateful for their work and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

5 Condolences

  1. Tami McFarland on April 21, 2022 at 11:35 am

    I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I will always remember Kenny as one of the great softball dads that was at all of our softball games. He was very supportive of me and I always appreciated that. I have many fond memories from my high school years of him when Krista and I were best friends. My thoughts & prayers are with the family.



  2. Gretchen Janes on April 22, 2022 at 12:19 am

    I have so many great memories of family gatherings at Aunt Tootsie and Uncle Kenny’s house. He always, always had a smile, even when the cousins would get into trouble! So sorry to hear the news of his passing. Know your family is lifted in prayer for peace and comfort. Love you all.



  3. LuAnn Metsker on April 23, 2022 at 2:04 pm

    Krista,

    My deepest sympathy for the loss of your dad. He loved watching you play ball and I always enjoyed being around him. He will surely be missed by many!

    LuAnn Metsker



  4. Missy Iles Delzeit on April 24, 2022 at 10:28 am

    It saddens my heart to learn of Kenny’s passing. Hugs and Prayers are with you all.



  5. Sue Glatz on April 24, 2022 at 6:27 pm

    Dear Andy, Barb,Nick,Drew and family,
    So sorry for the loss of your beloved Ken.
    These losses are never easy but I will be praying for all of you as you grieve this life changing loss. May you find peace in your faith and knowing he is now in the arms of Jesus.
    Deepest Sympathy, Sue Glatz



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