William Kenneth Stapp

William Kenneth Stapp, 87, died Saturday, February 11, 2017, surrounded by his family. A long-time resident of Kansas City, he was born in Bolivar, Missouri, in 1929 to Ervie and Dorris Stapp. He and his sisters, Ervyln and Joyce, grew up with their parents in South Greenfield, Missouri.

Ken graduated from Missouri State University in Springfield and then served as an Air Force Staff Sergeant during the Korean War. During his service, Ken met and married the love of his life, Lorene Hughes.

After being honorably discharged, he began his career in management at the Jenkins Music Company in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he and Lorene had their first two children -- Mike (Kathy) and Cindy (Bruce).

Shortly after, they moved to Kansas City where Ken had a successful, decades-long career in commercial real estate at companies including Tower Properties and Roger Cohen & Co. During that time, he and Lorene also celebrated the birth of their third child, Bill (Sarah).

A practical and loving man, Ken raised his children with a dry wit and twinkle in his eye. He and Lorene taught them -- in action and word -- the importance of family and friends, to work hard, and "to use your own good judgement."

His grandchildren were the joy of his life -- Ava, Sam, William Kenneth Stapp, II (Will), Bob, Dan and Natalie. He spent countless hours with them at football, basketball, baseball and soccer games. Ken enjoyed watching his granddaughters at cheerleading events, dance competitions and musicals. He felt very blessed to be able to participate in their antics.

An avid sports fan, Ken is still rooting for KU to win another NCAA championship. One of his fondest memories is sitting on the front row with his two sons at one of the Jayhawks’ nationally televised games that propelled them to number 1. Two of his favorite songs typified his outlook on life -- "I Did It My Way" and "Let the Good Times Roll."

Ken was very loved. An unpretentious man, he touched many peoples' lives -- helping guide them through life's ups and downs, both big and small. He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, children, grandchildren, sister, nieces and nephews and many friends.

Ken's visitation is at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 17 at Greenfield Funeral Chapel, with the service following at 11.

Should you desire, in lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Backpacks for Hunger, United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS 66224.