Obituary

Kenneth I. Meier, 84, died June 28, 2006 at his residence in Newton. He was born May 11, 1922 in Newton to Henry and Mary Stamm Meier.

On June 10, 1944 he married Wilma Launhart in Orangeburg, S. C. She survives of the home. He was a member of Trinity Heights United Methodist Church in Newton.

He graduated from Newton High School, attended Wichita State University and graduated from Kansas State University in 1949.

He served his country in the U.S. Air Force as a P-52 piloot. He retired as supervisor for King Construction in Hesston, where he oversaw bridge construction throughout the region.

He designed and built his family home, restored antique cards and was especially proud of his 1928 Rolls Royce. He also was an avid golfer and looked forward to a round with his many friends. He relaxed reading and traveling, and he looked forward to visits with his close family and friends.

He was elected to the Harvey County Commission taking office January 14, 1991. During his tenure as commissioner, he was instrumental in the development of the Harvey County Recycling, Compositing and Water Transfer Station, which he was passionate aabout.

He also was past director of the Board of Kansas Association of Counties; past member of the Governor's Transportation 'Commitee; past property valuation division hearing officer for property valuation and appraisals in Reno, Cowley, Lyon and Dickinson counties; and past member of the Select Waste Advisory Committee on Construction and Demolitation Waste. He also was a current member of the Regional Econimic Area Partnership.

He greatly enjoyed serving his terms as commissioner and the many projects he saw through to completion and the people he met.

Other surivors: son, Douglas (Jody) Lawton, Oklahoma; daughter, Rebecca Meier of Hutchinson; a brother Dale and LaVeta Meier, Newton; a grandson, Luke and Kelly Meier of Lincoln, Nebraska and a granddaughter, Natalie Meier, Mesa, Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Lois Rowland.

Services were July 1 at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church. Private burial was in Greenwood Cemetery, Newton.