Kenten “Ken” Merle Pavlicek, 68, of Liberal, passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Southwest Medical Center.

He was born on July 10, 1954 to Merle and Newatlene (Kiger) Pavlicek in McCook, NE.

Ken was a graduate of Decatur County High School in Oberlin, KS with the class of 1972. On March 16, 1973, he married his sweetheart, Trudi Clark, in Atwood, KS. In 1974, he and Trudi moved to Liberal where he worked at Weskem as a Truck Driver. Ken went to work at Panhandle Eastern Pipeline in 1978 where he worked as an Operator before retiring in 1998. While working with Panhandle, he also served as a Union Steward for 5 years. Ken’s passions revolved around being a staunch Nebraska Husker football fan and a sprint car racing enthusiast, but, most of all, his greatest passion involved being around his family. He spent many years coaching his son’s KIDS Inc football teams and coaching in Federation Wrestling. One of his wrestling teams held a record number of Kansas state finalists. One of his football athletes became an All-American colligate athlete and played in the NFL.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Trudi; son, Josh Pavlicek and wife KristyAmber of Plains, KS; two grandsons, Lane Pavlicek and Cale Pavlicek; and two granddaughters, Ella Pavlicek and Josie Pavlicek. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joyce Kay Pavlicek.

There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022, 10:00 am at the Miller Mortuary Chapel with Timber Cypret, officiating.

The family suggests Memorials be made to KIDS Inc or the Liberal Animal Shelter in care of Miller Mortuary PO Box 826 Liberal, KS 67905-0826; please make checks payable directly to the organization.

Friends may send condolences to the family through Ken’s tribute web page at www.millermortuary.net.