CARBONDALE, Kan. – Kenneth Henry Hockenberry Sr., 89, died Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Carbondale, Kan. He was born Oct. 27, 1936, at Johnstown, Pa., the son of Howard Hockenberry and Clara (Ream) Hockenberry.
On June 13, 1957, Kenneth was united in marriage to Mary Hockenberry, in Salina, Kan. The loving couple would share more than 65 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 until his death.
Kenneth was a proud member of the United States Air Force, serving his country from 1955 to 1967, 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 was a member of the American Legion, 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, Topeka, and Kenneth Hockenberry Jr., Carbondale; daughter, Pamela Pettis, Carbondale; sister, Patty Haer, Somerset, Pa.; 11 grandchildren, Angela Hockenberry, Doug Hockenberry, Nicole Hockenberry, Stephanie Hockenberry, Michael Pettis, Rose Gillory, Ashley Tipping, Christina Brewer, Mary Veitenkeimer, Brian Gardner, and Chelsa Brant; six great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be 2 p.m. Friday, April 24, at Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, Overbrook, Kan. Interment will follow at Ridgeway Cemetery, Carbondale. To celebrate Kenneth’s life, a visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, 730 Western Heights Drive, Overbrook, KS 66413.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Kenneth Hockenberry Sr. Fund, and sent in care of Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, PO Box 268, Overbrook, KS 66413. Condolences can be left at www.lamb-roberts.com.
