Kenneth Lloyd Burgen

Kenneth Lloyd Burgen, 80, of Topeka, passed away Friday, January 4, 2013 at Brewster Place.

He was born December 6, 1932 in Topeka, the oldest of five children of Kenneth Ward and Hazel Edna (Stadley) Burgen. He was a 1951 graduate of Topeka High School and joined the U.S. Navy, serving on the USS Cacapon during the Korean War. On June 8, 1956, he married Barbara Anne Ernst in Clay Center, KS. She survives.

Ken and Barb made Topeka their home, celebrating 56 years together. Ken held many positions during his work life, with Henry Manufacturing, Hydra-Tool, Van-T & Kent-Brown Chevrolet, United Corporation and finally retiring from the Washburn University Police Dept. in 2006 after 24 years.

Other survivors include a son, Ken (Sherry) Burgen, a daughter, Sheri (Tony) Rundell, all of Topeka; four grandchildren, Kenny Burgen, Shannon Hoskinson, Tyler Burgen and Zach Rundell; four great-grandchildren, Chelsey Burgen, Seth, Levi and Anna Hoskinson, all who affectionately called him "Bobo"; two brothers, Jerry(JoAnn) Burgen of Lawrence and William (Glenna) Burgen of Madera, CA; a sister, Lodema Betsworth of Topeka; a sister-in-law, Charlotte Burgen of Topeka and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Nelson L. Burgen and a brother-in-law, Jimmie L. Betsworth.

A funeral ceremony will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at the Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka, KS 66608. A graveside service will be 3:30 p.m., Wednesday at the Greenwood Cemetery, Clay Center, KS. Kenneth will lie in state after 3 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 6:30-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society Inc. 5720 SW 21st St., Topeka, KS 66604.

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