Howard Clayton Ziegenhorn

Howard Clayton Ziegenhorn, 85, of Fairway, Kansas passed the morning of Thursday, June 30th, 2016. He was born on January 6th, 1931 in Independence , Missouri.

Howard was a devoted son and caring oldest brother to his four siblings. After graduating from William Chrisman High School in 1948 and taking a great American road trip, he earned his Bachelor's degree from Missouri Valley College in 1953. During college he was deemed "Mr. Viking" for being a Varsity athlete, accomplished student, and solid citizen. During college, he met Nancy Brisley and they were wed on May 29th 1953. They shared 63 years of happy marriage and raised three children. Later, he and Nancy devoted much of their love and time to greatly enriching the lives of their two grandchildren who gave him the name "Babu" which means Grandfather in Swahili. Nancy and Howard's spirit of adventure took them many places including Africa, Egypt, Europe, and countless road trips to family reunions. Those close to them suggest their deep love for being together may have summoned their most recent reunion beyond this earthly plane, just twelve weeks after Nancy's passing. Nancy Ziegenhorn obituary

As a young man, Howard helped his father with their family trucking business and his multifaceted professional life included starting several businesses of his own, personnel management, and teaching at a community college. After "retirement" he devoted many years volunteering for the Shawnee Indian Mission in numerous capacities which included co-organizing the extensive library archives. He also served as President, Treasurer, Trustee and other capacities within the Shawnee Mission Indian Historical Society. His colleagues there describe him as "a real gentleman who was liked by everyone and admired for his keen intellect and dedication." He enjoyed many aspects of life beyond work and continued to be an athlete, avid nonfiction reader, country music appreciator, and delighter of children throughout his eight decades.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents, Nora Mildred Garland & Henry Forrest Ziegenhorn, his wife, Nancy Ziegenhorn, and his sister Ruth Ann Austin. He is survived by his brothers Garland & Jerry Ziegenhorn, sister Genniel Curphey, son Eric Ziegenhorn, daughters Pauline Ziegen & Leslie Ziegenhorn, granddaughter Zoe Ziegenhorn, grandson Zachary Ziegenhorn, their mother Kamille Merz, many beloved extended family members, and countless friends. Those whose lives included him were certainly enriched and his influence will extend far beyond his time with us.

We will gather to honor him at a Memorial Service held at the Shawnee Indian Mission, where he and Nancy enjoyed watching many seasons from their back porch. For those able to attend Saturday 7/23/16 at 5:00pm, please join us at the Shawnee Indian Mission's East Building, 3403 W. 53rd Street, Fairway Kansas, 66205. Anyone wanting to make a donation to the Mission can do so at the memorial or send a check to the address above in memory of Howard Ziegenhorn.