Kenneth Henry Hockenberry, Sr.

Kenneth Henry Hockenberry Sr., 89, of Carbondale, KS died Tuesday, April 14, 2026 in Carbondale, Kansas.

He was born October 27, 1936 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania the son of Howard Hockenberry and Clara (Ream) Hockenberry.

On June 13, 1957, Kenneth was united in marriage to Mary Hockenberry in Salina, Kansas. The loving couple would share over 55 years of loving marriage.

He owned and operated American Vinyl of Topeka since 1983. Kenneth loved his job and was a daily fixture at the vinyl shop everyday until his death.

Kenneth was a proud member of the United States Air Force, serving his country from 1955 to 1975 earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a Vietnam veteran, serving in the 6th Special Forces Group Airborne Division and SIG Sauer Special Weapons Group.

He was a decorated veteran receiving the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, several Air Force Good Conduct Medals, an Air Force Conduct Medal with two presidential citations, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with one bronze leaf cluster, Gallant Union citation, and a military citation for heroism and valor during active duty in Vietnam.

Kenneth also was a member of the American Legion of Topeka, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1650, and Loyal Order of the Moose.

He also loved spending time with his family and enjoyed traveling with them over the years.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Hockenberry; his parents, Howard Hockenberry and Clara (Ream) Hockenberry; and three brothers, Bill, Richard and Dan Hockenberry.

Kenneth is survived by two sons, Richard Hockenbery of Topeka, KS and Kenneth Hockenberry Jr. of Carbondale, KS; one daughter, Pamela Pettis of Carbondale, KS; one sister, Patty Haer of Somerset, Pennsylvania; eleven grandchildren, Angela Hockenberry, Doug Hockenberry, Nicole Hockenberry, Stephanie Hockenberry, Michael Pettis, Rose Guillory, Ashley Tipping, Christina Brewer, Mary Veitenheimer, Brian Gardner, and Chelsa Brant; seven great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2026 at Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, Overbrook, KS. Interment will follow at Ridgeway Cemetery, Carbondale, KS. To celebrate Kenneth’s life, a visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, 730 Western Heights Drive, Overbrook, KS 66524. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kenneth Hockenberry Sr. Fund and sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 268, Overbrook, KS 66524. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.

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