Junction City lost an icon when Kenny Langdon, 62, passed away February 24th.

A large audience gathered at the Junction City Municipal Building Saturday for a celebration of life service to remember the popular City Building and Maintenance Custodian, who had worked for the City since 1996 and was a resident of the community for 40 years.

Kenny was remembered as an “angel on earth,” and also for his strong work ethic, his way of making others feel better, and for many….as a friend.

Geary County Commissioner Ben Bennett told about how Kenny helped his mother-in-law every Saturday when she visited downtown to get her hair done. “He found out that she was there almost every week and he started making it an issue.” Bennett noted Kenny made sure to meet her when she arrived downtown and helped get her out of the car and into the shop. “And after her hair was done he would make sure that he helped her out and helped her back in the car. And he didn’t miss a Saturday that he was around.”

Others told stories of experiences in the Noon Kiwanis Club with Kenny, and how most years he sold the most tickets for their pancake feed.  Tailgating friends at K-State football games remembered the good times with Langdon and have pledged to keep an honorary tailgate chair for him.

City Commissioner Jim Sands noted that Kenny had a way of calming people, and current and former members of the Junction City Police Department remembered how he rode along with the police every year on his birthday. Retired Undersheriff Bill Kelley noted that Kenny was strong supporter of the Police and Sheriff’s Departments.

Mayor Mick McCallister remembered Langdon’s attendance every year at Country Stampede, where McCallister has worked during that country music festival for many years. ” Kenny would grab me and say how you doing, how you doing, we’re having fun!” McCallister said he would miss Kenny at this year’s Country Stampede.

The celebration of life service was attended by members of Kenny Langdon’s family, with Pastor Tom Swihart presiding over the service. There was the playing of country music. It was noted Kenny was a country music fan.

The event concluded with a balloon release outside the front entrance of the Municipal Building.