Kenneth H. "Bud" Pekarek, 93, died May 1, 2016, at Great Bend Regional Hospital.  Born Jan. 23, 1923, at Ellsworth, he was the son of George and Stella (Spears) Pekarek. Bud married Carrie Lee Mermis June 16, 1947 at Gorham.  She died April 28, 2002.

Bud was a long time employee of Fina Oil, working as a roughneck, roustabout, and pumper, retiring in 1985. Mr. Pekarek was a Great Bend, Kansas resident since 1974.He served during World War II in the Army Air Corps.

Bud was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose, and the V.F.W. Post #3111, both of Great Bend.  He had also been previously active in the Bethal District School Board, Holyrood volunteer fire department, Holyrood city council, and served as past post commander of American Legion Post #200, Holyrood.  He was known to enjoy pinochle, reading, old westerns, boating and camping at Lake Wilson and Table Rock Lake, and the peaceful tranquility of the outdoors.  He devoted his life to helping his family and others.

Survivors include two sons, Kent L. Pekarek and wife Cindy of Olathe and Kevin G. Pekarek and wife Diana of Garnett; one sister, Linda Zubillaga of Chase; five grandchildren:  Tiffany Potts, Natasha Hardcastle, Adam Pekarek, Kristal Ronnebaum, Bryan Pekarek; and 13 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by two sisters, Betty Jane Soucek and Mary Strecker.