GEORGE GRAY BREIDENTHAL Jr.

1948 - 2015

GEORGE GRAY BREIDENTHAL, JR. George Gray Breidenthal, Jr. , 67, of Kansas City, Kansas passed away June 23, 2015 peacefully with family at his side. George was born to Gray and Keolna (McKenzie) Breidenthal on March 22nd, 1948. While born an only child, he spent much of his young childhood with his cousins Genia & Marlis Nelson & thought of them as sisters. He attended McKinley and Mark Twain Elementary schools and Northwest Junior High. He was a graduate of Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas. After earning an Associate's Degree from Donnelly College he continued his education at Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia where he majored in history & earned a teaching degree in secondary education. His family history is deeply rooted in Kansas City, Kansas & his love for the community never wavered. He was always KCK's biggest cheerleader & was proud to call it home. Upon graduation from college, he returned to KCK as a substitute teacher for the next two years. Then he joined six generations of family bankers & worked at Security Bank at 7th & Minnesota. There he worked in marketing & customer service & managed a branch bank while serving as vice-president until Security was sold in the early 80's. With 3 business partners, Kaw Valley Bank & Turner Banks were purchased & he became president of Turner Bank. Later after the two banks merged, he was chairman of the board at Kaw Valley Bank. George's belief in education & what it can mean for children became the focus of his life in the 80's & continued for 32 years as a USD 500 School Board member. He has served on the Donnelly College Board of Trustees since 1991 and the Foundation Board of Emporia State for years. He was also an appointed member of the KCK Landmarks Commission. His family foundation established over 50 years ago by his grandfather continues to give scholarships to students in need of an opportunity. An avid supporter of college athletics, in particular basketball & rowing, his philanthropy has touched Kansas State University, Emporia State University & The University of Kansas. He also had carried on the tradition of his father as a supporter of The College of Engineering at Kansas State University. Recently, George was honored as an inductee into the Mid-America Education Hall of Fame. George loved spending time with his children, McKenzie & Ben. Much of that time was spent on another one of his passions, travel. The three traveled together to many countries over the years. George once expressed the desire to visit a country for every year of his life. His goal was achieved adding Israel as number 67. He is preceded in death by his parents and step-parents. He is survived by his two children, McKenzie Breidenthal, Overland Park, KS & Ben Breidenthal, Kansas City, Kansas, sister/cousins Genia Hileman and husband Lee, Houston, TX and Marlis Hoke & husband Steve, Montpelier, Virginia and countless cousins, nieces, nephews & friends. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:30 PM Monday, June 29th at Porter Funeral Home, 1835 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, KS 66102. Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, June 30 at Trinity Community Church, 5010 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, KS 66104. Burial to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. The family suggests memorial contributions to Trinity Community Church or The Kansas City, KS Foundation for Excellence c/o Board of Education (designation George G. Breidenthal Scholarship), 2010 North 59th Street, Kansas City, KS 66104. (Condolences may be expressed at: www.porterfuneralhome.com Arrangements: Porter Funeral Home & Crematory, Kansas City, KS (913) 621-6400) P