Obituary for Kenneth Orem Pratt, Kansas – Kenny Orem passed away in his home in Pratt, Kansas on June 28, 2018. Kenny was born January 20, 1926 in Liberal, Missouri to Carl Orem and Irene (Depue) Orem. He married Doris Arlene (Thiesing) July 30, 1949 in Greenbush, Kansas at St. Aloysius Catholic Church.
They made their home in McCune, Kansas. She preceded him in death on April 3, 2016. As a member of the Greatest Generation, he served in the U.S. Army in World War II and the Korean War as an Infantry Scout.
Kenny was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and Bronze Star among many other service ribbons and awards. He was especially proud of being able to “walk across Germany” during his service in Patton’s Third Army. Kenny attended Parsons Community College in the early 1950’s.
He worked on the KATY Railroad and at Parsons Ammunition Plant, Parsons, Kansas. The family moved to Pratt in 1959 and Kenny worked for the Rock Island Railroad until his retirement in 1988. During his employment, he won an award and recognition for noticing a defective rail track.
Kenny was a passionate farmer and helped friends farm for many years around Pratt. Upon retirement, he devoted his full time to planting, harvesting and raising cattle with his son, Terry on Orem Farms. Kenny intensely enjoyed sports and politics and was proud of having coached Al and Dean Kelly in McCune who went on to the National Championship basketball team at KU and also played in the 1960 Olympics.
He was a member of the Pratt Elks where he recently received a 50 year member pin, and Pratt Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pratt. Survivors are children, Kenna (Paul) Cavanaugh of Wichita, Terry (Janene) Orem of Preston, Cheryl Orem of Dallas, Texas and Karla (Art) Wallace of Kansas City, Missouri; one sister, Elsie (Curtis) Wolgamott of McCune; 5 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Kenny’s son, Gary, preceded him in death in 1981.
Also preceded in death by parents and siblings, Viola Jean Orem, James “Jimmy” Orem, Josie Larcom, Leland Orem and Phyllis Osborne. Visitation will be Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Larrison Mortuary, 300 Country Club Road, Pratt. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 2, 2018 at Larrison Mortuary with John Hamm presiding.
Burial with military honors will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Pratt. Memorials may be made to Pratt County Circles of Hope Child’s Care in care of Larrison Mortuary, 300 Country Club Road, Pratt. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Kenneth Orem please visit our Sympathy Store.
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