Kenneth Lee Meyer

Kenneth Lee Meyer passed away on June 1, 2026, at the age of 90 and on the 57th anniversary of his marriage to Phyllis.

Ken was born February 21, 1936, in Kansas City, Kansas to Fred and Palene Meyer and was the oldest of three boys. He graduated from Shawnee Mission High School (now Shawnee Mission North) in 1954. He briefly served in the Air Force in 1958.

In high school, Kenny started working at his father's service station across from the school, which began his lifelong career in the oil and gas sales industry. Throughout his career, he owned and operated several service stations, spending the majority of those years building and operating The Gas Pump and Economy Oil in Kansas City, Kansas. He was well-known and loved by his customers and the community, and he was an active member of the Leavenworth Road Association.

One of Ken’s passions was auto racing, with him often racing his #05 at Olympic and Riverside speedways. It was there that he was introduced to the love of his life, Phyllis. They were married June 1, 1969, and he embraced the role of “Pop” to Linda, Lesa and Daniel. Elizabeth was born a few years later in 1975.

He was a member of C.A.R.B. (Central Auto Racing Booster) Club. Over the years, he was an active volunteer with Cross-Lines in Kansas City, Kansas. He also volunteered many years as a Salvation Army bell ringer, often with several grandchildren by his side.

About 15 years ago, Ken rededicated his life to Jesus Christ. He publicly professed his renewed faith through baptism, sharing that special occasion with his granddaughter, Lesa, as they were baptized together.

He was known for his wit and dry sense of humor and a strong work ethic. Family meant the world to Kenny, and he showed his love often by small gestures: making sure everyone had enough air in their tires, visiting and keeping the graves of his family members or making sure the family reunion happened each year.

He loved gathering around the table, whether at home or at one of his favorite restaurants. As much as he enjoyed a good meal, it was really about developing and building the relationships around the table. While his mind and health declined quickly in the last few months, he still asked about the many friends and family who have been such a huge part of his life over the years.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Palene Meyer; his brother, Stephen Meyer; and two children: Lesa Murphy and Daniel Meyer.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis of Lenexa, Kansas; two daughters: Linda Hunsucker of Basehor, Kansas, and Elizabeth (and Michael) Tilden of Shawnee, Kansas; six grandchildren: Amy (and Vince) Lombardi of Manhattan, Kansas; Chris (and Stephanie) Hunsucker of Lenexa, Kansas; Lesa (and Levi) Holgerson of Kansas City, KS; Selah Tilden of Denver, Colorado; Adam Tilden of Shawnee, KS; and Kira Tilden of Shawnee, KS; and five great-grandchildren: Anthony Lombardi, Kaitlynn Hunsucker, Noah Tatley, Caleb Tatley, and Adley Holgerson.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, June 5, 2026 at Lenexa Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 10 am and the service will begin at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions can be made to Compassion International or Great Plains SPCA.