I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord will award to me on that day. Kenneth West Manwell, age 90, of Marion, Indiana, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 5, 2017, at 4:32 p.m. He was born in Harlingen, Texas, on October 2, 1927, to the late Cecil (April 21, 1967) and Beulah (Maxey) (April 3, 1983) Manwell. Kenneth graduated in 1947 from Marion High School in Grant County. During World War II, Kenneth was helping his parents with farming. His brother Richard, however, was in the service fighting for the rights of the American people. On Sunday, January 12, 1947, Kenneth married the love of his life, Margaret L. Ulmer, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him death are his youngest son, Kenneth Michael Manwell, brother Richard Manwell, and sister Madelyn Allen.
Kenneth was to report for spring drills with Keokuk at Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where he began training with the Keokuk, Iowa Pirates of the Central Association, a Pittsburg affiliate, with which he signed a contract in the fall of 1946. Newspaper said, “Manwell, a strong armed right hander, will leave Marion on April 11 to begin workouts with Keokuk club, which is considered a class C organization.” His fame was cut short due to the illness of his father, Cecil Manwell. He was a lifetime member of First Friends Church (Golden band class) in Marion, Indiana. Kenneth has been a life time farmer and enjoyed his farming with his son Kim, and grandsons, Scott, Joe, and Nick Manwell. He spent over 50 years in the Masons/Shriners. He loved to play golf, bingo, euchre, basketball, football, and his specialty baseball. He enjoyed watching the races at the Indianapolis 500. He watched them in his last years on television. Kenneth had the gifts of the fruit of the spirit, always displaying kindness, gentleness, and patience.
Kenneth is survived by his special friend and caregiver, Janet Humphrey, Marion, 6 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.
Arrangements for Kenneth have been entrusted to Armes-Hunt Funeral Home and Cremation Services College Park Chapel, 4601 S. Western Ave., Marion, Indiana, where a visitation will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Robert Garra officiating. Burial will be at Grant Memorial Park in Marion.
In lieu of flowers, Kenneth requested that contributions be made to the Special Olympics. Online condolences may be made at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.