Kenneth Merle Halstead

Kenneth Merle Halstead

Kenneth Merle Halstead, 94, Topeka, died Sunday, January 14, 2018, at Stormont-Vail Hospital. He was born June 11, 1923, in Nebraska City, NE, the son of Homer Franklin and Ruth Ellen (Gallant) Halstead.

Ken graduated from Topeka High School in 1943. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946, and was wounded at Luzon in the Philippines. He was awarded the Purple Heart and three Bronze Stars. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for over 40 years. Ken was a member of the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO and Topeka North Post # 400 of the American Legion.

Ken was married to Dorothy Laverne Carr on February 13, 1947, in Topeka. He was preceded in death by a daughter: Sherry Lee Halstead Duffens on November 5, 2005; his parents; and two brothers: Lloyd E. Halstead and Homer G. Halstead.

Surviving are his wife: Dorothy Halstead of the home; son-in-law: Gary Duffens (Mary) of Highlands Ranch, CO; two grandchildren: Brian Duffens (Samantha) of Topeka and Kyle Anderson (Matt) of Denver, CO; four great-grandchildren: Gabrielle Duffens and Connor Duffens both of Topeka, and Logan Anderson and Gavin Anderson both of Denver, CO; and siblings: Jacqueline Fellows and Terry R. Halstead both of Topeka.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM, Monday, January 22, 2018, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Avenue, Topeka followed by military honors conducted by a Fort Riley U.S. Army Detail. Private interment will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, 3616 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 67664, Topeka, KS 66622.