Kenneth Eugene "Kennie" Breeden passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Dawson Place in Hill City, Kansas, at the age of 90.

He was born March 6, 1935, in Sheridan County, Kansas, the only child of Forrest (F.I.) and Ethel (Reiter) Breeden. Raised in rural Sheridan County, Kennie learned early the values of hard work, responsibility, and taking pride in what you do, always making a point to be on time. He attended country school and graduated from Quinter High School in 1952.

On January 11, 1958, Kennie married Patricia Berry at the courthouse in WaKeeney, Kansas. Together they built a life grounded in family and perseverance and were blessed with four children: John, Rebecca, Scott, and Leona Anne. Shortly after celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary, Patricia preceded him in death, a loss Kennie carried quietly and faithfully.

Later in life, Kennie married Shirley Schindler of Stockton, Kansas. They shared 18 years together, spending their time dancing, traveling, and simply enjoying one another's company until Shirley's passing in 2018. Kennie loved two-step dancing, and the two were regulars at Cowboy Junction in Hill City, as well as singles dances throughout western Kansas. They especially enjoyed shopping trips to Kearney, Nebraska, where they could be found browsing for anything western—from clothes to boots and hats—less about what they bought and more about the time spent together.

Kennie was a farmer, rancher, and cowboy who worked in many feedlots and local rodeos. In the early 1970s, he competed as a team roper, winning numerous buckles over the years. His cowboy roots ran deep, and horses, rodeos, and country music remained lifelong passions. When able to slow down and watch television, PBR events always caught his attention, and he could name the riders as they entered the arena.

A man who knew what he liked, Kennie was loyal to his favorites—whether that meant stopping at Whiskey Creek or McDonald's while traveling, even though those options were already available locally, or sitting at "their booth" for lunch at 183 Lanes, a café and bowling alley in Stockton. Those small routines brought him comfort and joy.

Kennie was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Patricia; his second wife, Shirley; his daughter, Rebecca; his son, Scott; and his grandsons, Trenton Rhea and Zach Breeden.

He is survived by his son, John (Debbie) Breeden of Missouri; his daughter, Leona Breeden of Hays, Kansas; five grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren, who will remember Kennie for his steady presence, quiet devotion, and authentic cowboy spirit.

Visitation will be held Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 Main St., Quinter, KS 67752.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home in Quinter, with Stan Smith officiating. Graveside services and burial will follow immediately at Baker Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dawson Place, the nursing home in Hill City that took such great care of Kennie in his later years, and may be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.

To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.schmittfuneral.com.

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