Kenneth Alan Martin

Kenneth "Ken" Martin, 74, Milford, Kansas, died Monday, January 5, 2026 at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, Kansas. Ken lost his life from injuries sustained in an auto accident on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 in Manhattan, Kansas.

Ken was born February 18, 1951, in Stockton, Iowa, the son of Reverend Gerald and Luella (Minter) Martin. Ken graduated High School from Southwestern Heights in Plains, Kansas, where he played football, learned guitar, and enjoyed singing folk and gospel. He attended college at Hutchinson Junior College and Wichita State University on football scholarships.

After moving to Junction City, Kansas in 1976, he served the Junction City community as a police officer with the Junction City Police Department. After his law enforcement career, Ken had many different jobs including being a machinist at Mid America Machines, CDL Instructor at Barton County Community College, various sales positions and driving a school bus for B&B Busing in Junction City. 

After his first marriage, Ken married Melinda Harmon on May 31, 1981, at the First United Methodist Church in Junction City, Kansas.

His love of family and church was evidenced by being an active member and choir/music leader at this church for 40 plus years along with Melinda. Together, they shared their faith through music in multiple singing groups and quartets.

He is survived by his wife, Melinda and his three daughters: Megan (James) Rivers, Sally Martin, Sarah (Bill) Cox; 4 grandchildren: Landon, Reese, Nolan, Everhett; 4 sisters: Faye, Vonda, LaDona and Shauna. He was Uncle Ken to multiple nieces and nephews.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Ramsey Harmon Martin that passed away April 2, 2009.

A celebration of life will be held at First United Methodist Church, Junction City on Friday, January 9th, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Dirk Weiss officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials donations are suggested to be given to the Junction City First United Methodist Church.