Kenneth Raymond Rollins

Kenneth Raymond Rollins, 65, was born to Raymond and Joanna Rollins (Klepac) on 2/28/1960 in Wichita, Kansas. He was the oldest of three kids. He lived in Wichita and in Huntsville, Alabama before moving to KC in 1970.

He started working at age 14 and he was able to save enough money to purchase a 1974 Chevy SuperSport that was the envy of everyone in high school. After High School, he left home to travel, attend college, and experience life. He graduated from Friends University with a bachelor of science in management and he obtained a graduate degree in management from Baker University. During this time, he became an airline mechanic, studied to be an echocardiogram technician, hiked the Appalachian Trail, played on baseball teams, traveled extensively, and served 8 years in the Army Reserves all before he was 38 years old. He lived in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Georgia, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.

When he did settle down, his pride and joy were his children: Amber (Erik) Steele, Allyson (Ryan) Bruno, Donald Rollins, and Joseph (Ashley) Rollins. He was crazy about his granddaughter, Maggie Steele. Kenneth loved God, his family, his dogs, sports, Oklahoma University football, and chocolate shakes. He lived his life by a set of values that never wavered in good times or in bad. He was just as happy with a chocolate shake driving through Oklahoma as he would have been to win the lottery. He was not motivated by materialistic goals. He was a hard worker and simply wanted to provide for his family and be an example for them.

Ken is survived by his four children and their spouses, his granddaughter Maggie, his mother, Joanna Rollins of Olathe, KS, his sister, Julie (Rick) Cunningham and his brother, David (Ann) Rollins. He leaves behind his Uncle Val Klepac, Uncle Jeff (Denise) Klepac, and his Aunt Simmie McMillion. He leaves behind his nieces and nephews: Joseph (Heather) Gipson, Emily (Jon) Lier, Sarah (Keith) Becker, Rodrick Rollins, Alex (Taylor) Rollins, and Zachary Rollins. He has 7 grand nieces and nephews. There are countless other relatives and friends that loved and cared about Ken.

Ken was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Rollins, grandfather George Washington Rollins, grandmother Lillie Rollins, grandfather Joseph Klepac, step grandmother Judy Klepac, grandmother Bernice Berroya, step grandfather Jose Berroya, and his Aunt Barbara Klepac. He is now able to hold and play with his granddaughter who passed away before her delivery. I am sure the two of them are playing ball together.

Thanks to Joseph Rollins for his being the co-POA and helping with all aspects of care. Thanks to Denice Klepac and to Amy Berroya for handling so many loose ends for Team Kenneth.

A special thanks to the staff at Overland Park Post Acute Care and to Ascend Hospice. The care you gave him was above expectations and the love you showed him was a gift. You all became like family to him. His interest was in keeping all of you safe. Thanks for letting him supervise every aspect of operations while he was in your care.

There will be a fund set up to help low-income families buy school supplies in Ken’s honor. Information will be forthcoming.