Kenneth Allen Longanecker

Mr. Kenneth Allen Longanecker, age 76 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Wednesday, October 24, 2012, at his home surrounded by his family. Ken was born on October 7, 1936, in Sterling, Illinois, a son of Howard and Elsie Dettman Longanecker. He was married on May 2, 1963, in Columbus, Georgia to Eunice A. Clements. Ken grew up in Illinois and served in the United States Army from 1960 until 1963, in the 577th Engineering Battalion. After his military service, Ken went to work for the Local 150 Operating Engineers in Chicago, Illinois and operated heavy equipment for 14 years. After graduating from the College of Advanced Traffic in Chicago, Illinois in 1977, Ken became a traffic manager and buyer at the nuclear power plant in Callaway County. At the age of 50, and one of his proudest accomplishments, Ken graduated from the University of Missouri - Columbia with a Bachelors of Health Sciences in Health Service Management in 1989. He was later employed as the Executive Director of New Haven Care Center in New Haven, Missouri until his retirement in 2000. He was an active member at Faith Lutheran Church where he was involved with the Stephen Ministry and the Christ Care Group. He was also a past member of the Chamber of Commerce in New Haven, Mo. Ken was an avid golfer and enjoyed creative writing, cooking, and watching sports, especially the Mizzou Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Rams. Most importantly, he loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. Survivors include: his wife of nearly 50 years, Eunice Longanecker; one son, Michael Longanecker and his wife Deborah of Jefferson City, Mo.; two grandchildren, Jeremy D. Longanecker and Mackenna D. Longanecker; one sister-in-law, Madeleine Longanecker of Plymouth, Indiana; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one grandson, James Michael Longanecker, on August 3, 1989; one brother, Donald Longanecker; and one sister, Mildred Koning. Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 29, 2012. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 30, 2012, at Faith Lutheran Church with the Reverend Tony Alter officiating. Graveside services and interment with military honors will be held at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Stephen Ministry at Faith Lutheran Church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com