May 16, 1940 ~ May 23, 2025
Kenneth A. Mannel passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025, at the age of 85 with his family by his side.
Ken was born May 16, 1940, in Grand Junction, Colorado, to John and Roberta Mannel. He grew up in Meeker, Colorado, attending school in Powell Park and later on attending high school at Wheaton Academy in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Midwest Bible College in Saint Louis, Missouri, where he met his future wife, Jane. Ken worked for his father on the family farm after his marriage to Jane in 1959, located east of Meeker on Irish Mesa. Eventually Ken and Jane purchased the farm, and they lived there until they sold the farm in 1981. During their years in Meeker, Ken and Jane had two daughters, Gwen and Mindy, and they were active members of the Meeker Community Church and, later, the Grace Bible Church. After they left Meeker, Ken and Jane worked as volunteers for Wycliffe Bible Translators in Duncanville, Texas, for a time and later ended up on staff at Calvary Bible College in Grandview, Missouri, where Ken headed up the maintenance department. In 1989, Ken and Jane left the college. Ken went to work for Dan Henry Construction as a construction supervisor, retiring from this position in 2005. They moved back to Colorado in 2005 to be closer to their daughters. After Jane’s passing in 2010, Ken relocated back to Raymore, Missouri, where he was blessed to marry Patricia who has been a constant comfort and blessing to him and the family.
Ken lived a rich life focused first on serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His passion was missions and along with his father, were founding contributors to Twin Peaks Bible Camp on Grand Mesa. The stories that told of that time building dorms and the road into the camp never failed to entertain. He supported missions work across the world, seeking to spread the gospel to every corner of the globe.
Ken was a loving and proud father and grandfather, often placing his children and grandchildren above his own needs to make sure they knew they were loved and supported in whatever endeavor was underway. He often came in after a long day in the field to play a competitive game of catch or help on a project that needed his expertise. He complained that his shoulder has never been the same after throwing so many balls.
Ken was active in the community, serving as President of the Meeker School Board and could often be found in the high school gym during the cold winter months serving as mentor and informal coach to “his girls” during basketball season. He also served as Chairman on the Colorado Wheat Committee Board, recognized for reform and the building of relationships with China on behalf of the Colorado wheat farmers in the 1970s.
Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Mannel; his parents, John and Roberta Mannel; and his brother Myron Mannel. He leaves behind his wife, Patricia Mannel of Raymore, Missouri; daughters Gwen Lyons of Granbury, Texas, and Melinda (Greg) Lenderink of Livermore, Colorado; grandchildren Rachel (Smitty) Lyons, Amie (Steven) Pastoor and Erin Lenderink; great-grandchildren Hezekiah and Esther Pastoor; sister Marilyn (Walter) Agee, step-daughters Lynn Schau and Jill Schau and the numerous friends he made throughout his 85 years.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to: Faith Baptist Church – Mission Fund, 414 S Franklin St., Raymore, MO 64083.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cullen Funeral Home in Raymore, Missouri. A memorial service will be held there on Thursday, May 29, at 3 p.m. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 2-3 p.m.
A graveside service will be held at Highland Cemetery in Meeker, Colorado, on June 11 at 10:30 a.m.
