Kenneth Tewell Obituary - Bonner Springs, Kansas | Alden Harrington Funeral Home

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Obituary for Kenneth A. Tewell

Kenneth A.  Tewell
Kenneth Albert Tewell, of Bonner Springs, KS died Sunday, January 15th at the age of 89. He was born in Junction City, KS on May 14th, 1927, the son of Governor and Catherine Tewell.
After graduating from Onaga High School in 1945 he served in the U.S. Navy in the Philippines during World War II until late 1946. He then earned a bachelor’s degree in 1950 and later a master’s degree in education administration in 1960 from Emporia State University.
He began his career at Kemper Military School in Boonville, MO where he taught math and coached from 1950-1952. He continued teaching and coaching in the fall of 1952 at Bonner Springs Rural High School. He taught there for seven years before going into School Administration as an Assistant Principal at the high school.
Tewell is most well known for serving as Superintendent of Schools of Bonner Springs-Edwardsville USD #204 from 1967 to 1987. Over the course of his tenure in the education system, he became known for his sense of humor, fairness, love of children, and ability to get along with everyone.
He served on several educational and civic boards during his career in Bonner Springs. He was a charter member of the Kansas Association of School Business Officials in 1963 and its President from 1966-1967. He was an authority on school business administration and taught summer classes at St. Mary’s and Pittsburg State University. He was a board member of Vaughn-Trent Community Services for many years and very active with their annual Christmas basket program. He was also a long-time member of the Edwardsville Kiwanis Club and heavily involved in their local scholarship program. He served on the Wyandotte County United Way Board and volunteered to visit underprivileged youth in Kansas City schools through United Way. He was the first recipient of the Marion-Vaughn Community Service award in September of 1979.
During his retired life he served several terms on the Silver Haired Legislature as a representative of western Wyandotte County. He enjoyed skiing and was a founding member of the Bonner Springs Ski Club. He also enjoyed travelling around the country, watching local college and professional sports, making stained glass art, and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by two brothers Jerry & Charlie Tewell; one sister Kathleen Harwood; and one grandson, Joshua Robidou. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Doranne of the home; daughters Jane Mackey (Joseph) of Bonner Springs, KS, Marian Tewell of Overland Park, KS, Anne Robidou (Denis) of Council Grove, KS; grandchildren John Mackey, David Mackey (Raechel), Maddie Roberge, and Catherine Siegle (Trent); and great granddaughter, daughter of David and Raechel, due to arrive in June 2017.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 20th from 5 to 7 pm, at Alden-Harrington Funeral Home with services to follow on Saturday, January 21st at 10:30 at the Bonner Springs United Methodist Church. A private family service will be held later with burial in the Bonner Springs Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Edwardsville Kiwanis Scholarship Fund.

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