Kenneth Ray Corke

Kenneth Ray Corke, 95, died Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Great Bend.  Born May 1, 1921 in rural Sheridan County, Kansas, he was the son of Ray and Rena Breeden Corke.  He graduated from Hoxie High School and Kansas State University.  He was a veteran of WWII having served in the Army Air Corps.  A resident of Goodland, he was a retired Coop feed mill manager.  He married Dolores Simon on May 28, 1950 in Studley, KS.  They lived in Hill City and Colby before moving to Goodland in 1956.  She died on February 17, 2008.

Prior to his job with Coop, Kenneth worked for the Farmers Home Administration in Tasco, KS and White Machine & Motor Co.  Since retiring, Kenneth has worked for many local farmers and served in volunteer positions in his church and in the community.  Mr. Corke was an active member of First Baptist Church in Goodland, the Tumbleweed Chorus, Gideons International and a member of the American Legion.  He was a participant in the annual MS Walk and served on the Goodland Arts Council.

Survivors include three daughters—Carlotta McDermott of Colby, Marian Corke of Great Bend and Marlene Regehr and husband Don of Great Bend; three sons, Clarence of Clovis, CA, Rodney of Goodland and Roger and wife Barbara of Azle, TX; four sisters, Frances Corke of Great Bend, Paula Koogler and husband Gale of DeBary, FL, Kathryn Morgan of Smith Center and Lois Kaiser of Hartford, South Dakota; 5 grandchildren--Eric Corke and wife Audrey, Chelsea Ross and husband Jason, Chianne Corke, Allison Regehr, Madison Regehr; and four great grandchildren, Danika Corke, Talon Corke, Teagan Vaughn and Spencer Ross.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, a sister Verna Corke, a brother Perry Corke, daughter-in-law Sharon Corke, son-in-law John McDermott, brothers-in-law Dave Kaiser and Norman Morgan and sister-in-law Betty Corke.

Kenneth will be remembered for his positive, quiet demeanor.  He was a strong Christian with a heart for service.  He loved to sing, read, watch sports, attend music events and spend time with family.  He was a supportive husband, father and grandfather, a proud Veteran and an avid K-State fan.

Visitation will be Tuesday, February 7,  from 4 to 7 p.m. MT at Bateman Funeral Home, 211 East 11th Street in Goodland.  Funeral services will be Wednesday, February 8, at 10:30 a.m. MT and held at First Baptist Church, 1121 Main St., Goodland with Pastor Rich Blanchette officiating.  Burial will follow at the Goodland Cemetery with military rites.

Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church in Goodland or the Gideons International and may be left at the service or mailed to Bateman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 278, Goodland, KS 67735.  Online condolences www.batemanfuneral.com