Kenneth E. Hanna
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“Ken”, “Kenny”, Kenneth E. Hanna, Sr. 59, born on August 21, 1955 in Kansas City, Missouri and resided in Grandview, Missouri. Ken passed away on November 22, 2014 at the VA Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Nancy Hanna, 2 brothers, Paul and Charles “Shorty”, sister Deloris. He is survived by his wife, Nita of the home, sister Nancy Jane Collins “ Lil Fat Girl” of Joplin, Mo. His children, Kenny Jr, Pamela, Angel and James. Grandchildren, Donovan, Crystal, Haylee, Kala, Alicia, Hanna, Kayleen, Austin and Ayden. His Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and In-laws. Beloved pets, Roxy and Salem.
Ken was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was an Airman First Class in the United States Air Force. He was a fighter while in the service as in his own life. Having suffered many illnesses and the amputation of both his legs to above the knees, he didn’t let it keep him down. He would ride his scooter to various places in town that he most frequented. The gas station on the corner, the library to get his books, that he loved reading, “mysteries”. To the restaurants in town to meet his friends for coffee or just to read his books, such as Shirley’s, and TJ’s.
Ken had 2 real passions. The first was to some day own his own tow truck and the other to scrap metal. He made them both a reality. He purchased a 1969 Ford Tow Truck in 2004, which he aptly named “Mater”, and scrapped metal for 35 years. He once told me that when he passed to take his ashes and put them in a washing machine and take it to Advantage Metals (Gal-Met) and let the magnet toss him onto the pile. He was a very ornery character with an odd sense of humor. An example of his character was when he showed up at his nephew’s wedding (Ronald Hanna) wearing his bib overalls and his hat on sideways with a goofy expression on his face. Another most recent of his odd humor was when he was in the hospital he asked me to do him a favor. I asked what is was and he said, “Call McDonald’s (the fast food chain) ask them what it would cost for 10 toenails for 2 missing feet.” I looked at him like he was crazy and he said, “What? Did I say something stupid?” I told him I would get right on it!
The last 12 weeks of his life were the hardest times we have endured together. The doctors told us it was just a matter of time before he would pass, they said days to weeks, not weeks to months. He held on as long as his body would let him. He had bad days where we weren’t sure he would make it through the night, and then in the morning he would rally as if he were fine. As the days passed the good days were taken over by the bad ones. Some days he didn’t know where he was or who people were including me. That was very difficult to take. The passed 11 years that he and I spent together weren’t always wine and roses. There were days when I am sure he hated me as much as I hated him. But through it all deep down we loved each other very much. I miss him terribly and the selfish side wishes he were still here. I know in my heart that this is best, he is no longer in pain, and that he is walking again beside our family members in heaven.
The day of his passing I kept getting these phone calls from the same number but they never left any message. Finally, at about 11:30 that night the call came again, I answered it and she stated her name and the company she was with, Safe Site Organization. She said that they worked closely with the VA Hospital on time sensitive matters and that at some point in Ken’s life he wanted to be a organ donor. This is something he never discussed with me, so I am to assume it was early in life that he made the decision to do so. She said the only organ he is able to donate is his corneas. She asked if I would like to follow his wishes. I told her if something good can come from his passing than I would be more than happy to comply. Even in death he was able to give to someone who would otherwise not be able to see the gift of sight. Ken’s beautiful green eyes will help another, I am so proud that he made that decision.
Ken you were a good partner, husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, you will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Rest in peace! Graveside Services in Higginsville Missouri National Cemetery, 20109 Business Highway 13, Higginsville, Mo. 64037 at 11:00 am on December 5, 2014, meet at the office. Luncheon after the services at the Beverly Hills Baptist Church, 1229 W. 31st, Independence, Mo 64055.
Visits: 7
my thoughts and prayers are with you Nita and the family. God Bless and comfort you all. Rest in Peace Ken
Couldn’t have said any more beautiful words……….He will be missed as a neighbor and a friend. R I P good friend……….Prayers and {{{hugs}}} for you Nita and the family.
Ken was such a character, always joking with everyone he knew. We will miss his humor. I asked him once if he bit his nails because they were so short and he smiled at me and said yes I bite my nails with no teeth. And he chomped his lips together. I laughed for the longest time about that!!! We loved him and we will miss him so much!! We love you Nita and we are here for you.
Love,
Ginger & Bob Wilson
(Sister In Law & Brother In Law
Condolences to Nita and Family, in the 14 years I had known Ken he was a very special and dear friend to me, we shared some laughs ( and there were alot of those ) and we shared tears when my dad passed away and then when my husband passed away suddenly. I’m finding it hard to comprehend that Ken has pssed away I still expect him to message me on yahoo with some funny comment, I will miss you Ken R.I.P. gone but not forgotten
Our hearts go out to Aunt Nita and family. Uncle Kenny will be greatly missed. His smile and humor is what will be missed the most. He loved to kid with everyone.
We love you Uncle Kenny!
Gene, Stacy, Dakota, & Sarah
Nita, sending love, hugs and prayers to you and your family. So sorry for your loss. RIP Ken.
LITTLE BROTHER YOUN WILL BE MISSED MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW
YOUR LITTLE FAT GIR
My dearest Uncle Ugly and I had the best sarcastic, putting each other down, most loving relationship EVER! I will miss you so much!! Our sarcarstic cantering on fb. I love you, say hi to my daddy for me. I love you both!!!
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. You are in my prayers to help you get though this time in your life. God bless you!
Ken and you are great friends, if i ever needed anything, both of you were right there for me..I love ya both dearly.My prayers and love are with you both. huggles
That’s the pefecrt insight in a thread like this.