Ken graduated from University High School in 1969 and enlisted in the U.S. Naval Service. He was trained as a naval medic attached to the Marines, deployed in the South Pacific to a base on Okinawa and joined patrols near Laos and Mekong shores. He is remembered for his founding commitment to the Interchurch Athletic Council Volleyball Program and to a long career as a YMCA youth volleyball and softball coach. Ken was often heard sharing his joy of life through his love of music. He was an inspiring organizer and member of The Little Light, a folk gospel group who frequently performed across the Midwest in the 1970s and early 80s. After 25+ years Ken retired as a carrier with the U.S. Postal service and opened Jimbo’s Gadget Gallery, a small electronics resale shop. He was recognized as the guy with a smile who brightened lives from the athletic fields where he played, to mail routes across the city.
Survived by wife, Karen Stanley; sons Kris Stanley, Chip (Maren Banwell) Stanley; grandsons Sam, Micah, & Benjamin Stanley, all of Lincoln, NE; sisters Susan (Sam Hochberg) Stanley, Portland, OR, Judithe (Robert) Saveley Houston, Denny (Fred) Goddard, Ogden, UT; brother Mark (Betsy Ress) Adams, Port Charlotte, FL; Preceded in death by his parents and sisters Joan Stanley and Anne Adams.
Also survived by many nieces and nephews: Katy (Dale) Wolk-Stanley, Portland, OR, Jessica Wolk Stanley, New York City, Susanne and Mara Savely, Houston, TX, Matt Savely, Susan Isham and Carter Cheston, Seattle, WA, Blake, Evan, James Goddard, and Kristine Lowder, Utah. Extended family: Vernamae Johnson, Aurora, IL, Thais & Kray Kibler, Batavia, IL, Rev. Aaron & Lenore Johnson, Rev. Evelyn Johnson, Chicago, Craig & Kellie Johnson, Gina Paul, Ane & Dave Banwell, Lincoln, and many generations of dear nieces, nephews, cousins, friends & family.
Celebration of Life Services will be held for Ken on Saturday, June 3rd 3:00 PM at First Evangelical Covenant Church, 6024 L St.
Livestream available at https://firstcovenantlincoln.org/watch-online/
Friend and Family Visitation from 5-7 pm Friday, June 2, 2023, Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street.
Memorials to the Food Bank of Lincoln.