The Rev. Kenneth H. Burnham

The Rev. Kenneth H. Burnham, 75, passed away Monday (June 29, 2009) at his home in Jet.

He was born on Aug. 22, 1933, in Wakita, Okla., to Glenn Upton and Golda Elma (Manning) Burnham. They preceded him in death.

Kenneth grew up in Jet, graduating from Jet High School. On June 6, 1953, he married Joan Rhodes in Edison, Neb. She became his wife and partner together in their ministry. He called her his vice president on many occasions.

He attended Central College in McPherson, and then pastored churches in Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska. Kenneth earned his bachelor of arts degree from Greenville College.

He was an evangelist and hosted many camps and seminars. They moved back to Jet in 1998 to be near his mother. He was very active in the Jet Senior Center and Lions Club, and he served on the Jet Cemetery Board. Kenneth always was helping others.

He is survived by his wife, Joan, of the home; three daughters, Judy Banks of Newton, Anita Slack of Clermont, Fla., and Carol Garrison of Olathe; one son, Steve Burnham of Longmont, Colo.; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one brother, Robert Burnham of Jet. He also was preceded in death by three sisters.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Cherokee Friends Church in Cherokee, Okla., with Greg Giles officiating. Refreshments will be served following the service for a time of visitation with the family.

Memorials may be made to the Jet Senior Center or charity of choice.

Cremation arrangements are by Anderson-Burris Funeral Home and Crematory. Condolences may be made online at www.andersonburris.com.