Kenneth Dean Lunt

Thursday, August 1, 2013
Kenneth Dean Lunt

Kenneth Dean Lunt, age 81, long time Division Manager for K.G. & E. /Westar Energy and former mayor of Fort Scott, died Tuesday, July 30, at his home following a lengthy illness. He was born Nov. 28, 1932, in Wichita, Kan., the son of Dewane W. Lunt and Geneva B. Herrington Lunt. He graduated from North High School in Wichita. He served in the Marine Corps from June of 1952 -- June of 1955. He served has a Scout Sniper with the 5th Marines during the Korean War. He was in two major Korean War Battles: "Vegas" and "Carson Hills." Ken received numerous combat decorations. He attended his boot camp at MCRD in San Diego. He joined the Marine Corps with his high school best friend George Fotopulos. He married Charlotte Truesdell in 1955 in Wichita. He enjoyed a long career with K.G. & E. /Westar Energy. He began as a meter reader, then customer service representative, marketing representative, assistant division manager, community economic development specialist, division manager at Arkansas City, and finally division manager at Fort Scott. His last promotion was obtained due to his outstanding community representation.

The following areas of his community involvement offer only a glimpse into Ken's outreach. Words cannot express the depth of gratitude owed to such an individual. His presence will be missed by many.

Ken's Civic Involvement

City/Regional

* Six terms as Mayor of Fort Scott

* President of Fort Scott Industries for 18 years

* Bourbon County Economic Development Council (BEDCO)

* Riverfront Committee -- Chairman of Riverfront Festival

* Vice president of Mid-America, Inc. (represented 16 counties in southeast Kansas)

* Kansas Main Street Program

* Two terms on Kansas Rural Development Committee

* Brought Pride Program to Fort Scott.

Chamber

* Past President, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

* Tourism Chairman, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

* Served over 20 years on the Chamber Board of Directors

Hospital

* Mercy Hospital Board of Trustees

* Chairman of Capture the Spirit Gala for 19 years

* President of Mercy Foundation 1995-2009

* Creator of Old Fort Barbeque sauce

HPA

* President, Historic Preservation Association (HPA)

* Originator of the "Homes for the Holidays" annual benefit for HPA beginning in 1980. Their own home was featured twice on the tour.

Military (post active service)

* VFW Member

* Member of the Kansas War Memorial Committee to build memorial in Wichita, Kan.

* Military Affair Committee for State of Kansas

* 2012-2013 - Chairman of Flag Committee (raised funds for flay display recently completed on the Skubitz Plaza)

* 2012-2013 - Chairman of Medal of Honor Committee (recently completed the Medal of Honor Memorial on Skubitz Plaza)

* Member of Armed Forces Celebration Committee

Community

* Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Board

* Citizens Bank NA - Board of Directors

* Appointed by Kansas Attorney General to serve on Kansas Crime Commission

* Formed Downtown Restoration Committee and promoted building restoration.

* United Way Board of Directors

* Rotary Club

* Co-chairman, March of Dimes Campaign for two years

* Junior Achievement Program Advisor

* Fort Scott Community Gala 2009-2011

Awards

* 2010 Kansas Governor Points of Light Award -- Governor Parkinson

* 2001 Chamber Keystone Award for Community Service -- first recipient of award

* 2000 Daughters of the American Revolution - Citizen of the Year

* 1994 Chamber of Commerce - Citizen of the Year

Survivors include a daughter, Becki Andersen, Fort Scott; Scott Truesdell, Wichita, and Zack Truesdell, Sugarland, Texas "considered sons"; two grandsons, Kenneth and James Andersen; as well as two nephews, Robert and Douglas Lunt. He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte; brother, Robert Lunt; cousin, Lowell Lunt; and his parents.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct memorial services at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, at the Community Christian Church. Burial will follow in the U.S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday at the Carriage House, 301 S. Main. Memorials are suggested to either the Korean War Veteran's Memorial, Mercy Cancer Center, or the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.