Kenneth "Kenny" Wayne Matthews

Kenneth “Kenny” Wayne Matthews, 77, of Junction City, Kansas, passed away on April 3, 2026, at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas.

Kenneth was born on January 4, 1949, in Junction City, Kansas, to William George and Faye Ione (Pearson) Matthews.

He was known by many names throughout his life-Kenneth to his parents, Kenny to his siblings, Ken to his friends at the local American Legion, Matt to his wife and stepchildren, Radar to his childhood friend, and, lovingly, Pawpaw Matt to his step-granddaughter. Though he answered to many names, Kenneth was truly one of a kind.

Kenneth proudly served his country in the United States Navy and retired after many years of honorable service. During his military career, he served aboard the USS Nimitz (CVN-68), USS America (CV-66), USS Mississippi (CGN-40), and USS Forrestal (CVA-59), as well as with the Naval Security Group Detachment in Norfolk, Virginia. He also served during Operation Desert Storm in the Gulf War and received numerous commendations and awards throughout his distinguished military career.

Kenneth had a deep love for fishing and cherished the time spent with friends and family on the water. He also loved animals of every kind, especially dogs, kittens, ducks, and birds. There was a calmness about Kenneth that naturally drew people-and animals-to him. His gentle spirit, kindness, and sense of humor made him well-liked by everyone who knew him.

He also had a passion for classic country music and western movies. Kenneth could often be found sitting for hours listening to the old country songs he loved so much. His friends at the American Legion knew how much he treasured that music and always made sure to let him enjoy his favorite songs uninterrupted. They always respected his time.

Kenneth is survived by his sister-n-law Collette Matthews of Junction City and her children Dana (Brian) Kuntz, Michelle (Reid) Begnoche, Leslie (Josh) Ericson, Nicole Matthews and Steven Matthews; his brother-in-law, Kevin Schrader and his children, Kari (Ron) Berlin and Matthew Schrader, and a nephew, Bill Schlossberg in Sparks, Nebraska; his step children, a daughter, Tracy Perdue of Vinton, Virginia (Dennis, Morgan and Penny Britt), Jerry Jones, Charlie Jones, Karen Jones, Judi Henry, Bruce Jones, Jennifer Jones, Jeff Jones and Keith Jones; along with many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary “Vickie” Matthews; his brothers, William “Bill” Matthews and Steve Leslie Matthews; his sisters, Linda Jo Martin and Carol Ann Schrader; and his brother-in-law, Logan “Marty” Martin and step-son, Troy Clark Jones.

A graveside service for Kenneth will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery, 5181 Wildcat Creek Road, Manhattan, Kansas 66503. A Celebration of Life will follow at American Legion Post #45, 201 E. 4th Street, Junction City, Kansas 66441 at 2:00 p.m.

Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Kenneth’s life, service, and the many memories he leaves behind.