In 1967, he and his family traveled to Sierra Leone, West Africa, where he directed newly minted Peace Corps volunteers and then worked with the University of Illinois' USAID program to promote agricultural improvements. In 1970, he and Elmo established Tossback, Inc. This company developed, manufactured and marketed innovative sports training equipment and techniques. Ken, known as "Mr. Tossback," and Elmo held several patents, including one for the breakaway basketball rim now used by the NBA, college teams and high schools across the country. During the past two years, Ken enjoyed numerous celebrations of his life. These included a 40th reunion with his Peace Corps volunteers, the 60th anniversary of his K-State Final Four team (1948), a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kansas State Basketball Coaches Association, a visit to the World War II Museum in New Orleans, a celebration of 60 years of a blessed marriage and induction into the Kansas State Sports Hall of Fame. Ken's values centered around his profound belief in God and life hereafter, his love of family and friends and his commitment to service to his community, country, and the world. Throughout his life, his passions were storytelling, basketball, preserving and passing along the history of the Dorrance area, horses, flying airplanes, airplane modeling, a good party and bringing his friends from all walks of life together. He generally felt a conversation wasn't worth having if there wasn't a spirited discussion of at least two distinct sides. He endeavored to share the opportunities that he had been given to foster new experiences for others. He was a consummate teacher/coach for basketball skills as well as life issues. Ultimately, his constant goal was to contribute to the success of every team he was on and to encourage everyone he knew to put up their best shots.
Obituary for Sierra Leone Country Director Kenneth J. Mahoney
Kenneth J. Mahoney
DORRANCE -- Kenneth J. Mahoney, 85, passed away Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, at his farm home near Dorrance, surrounded by love and laughter while sharing a lifetime of cherished memories with family and friends.
Ken was born Aug. 24, 1924, in Dorrance to Thomas E. and Anna Thielen Mahoney.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his adored older brothers, Elmo and Edmond "Red," and infant, Donald; sisters, Dorothy Coffeen and Edith Branda; and son-in-law, Larry Neaderhiser.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years and best friend, Dorothy Major Mahoney; children, Lucinda Drago (Ron), of Winston-Salem, N.C., Rosemary Neaderhiser, of Solomon, Thomas Mahoney (Heddy), of Dorrance, Anthony "Tony" (Melissa), of Wichita, and Annette Mahoney, of Bowling Green, Ohio; grandchildren, Kenneth Neaderhiser (Michelle), Michael Drago and Bradley Neaderhiser (Jeaveen); Timothy Neaderhiser (Adrienne), Ryan Mahoney (Andrea), Jason Mahoney, Evan Mahoney, Sarah Drago, Jenalee Mahoney, Brett Mahoney, Devin Mahoney, and Jeremy Mahoney; and four great-grandchildren.
He was also loved by special family member, Dave Richardson; special personal caretaker, Barbara Schuster; and an extended family of relatives, fraternity brothers, Peace Corps volunteers, and friends around the world.
Ken's life was an ongoing adventure beginning in Dorrance with his pony Hearts, racing horses with his brother, Red, across the Nebraska flats, and graduating from Dorrance High School in 1942.
He served in the Coast Guard during World War II. He participated in the Normandy Invasion and the Battle of Iwo Jima. Returning to Kansas State University, he affiliated with Phi Kappa and became a favorite man on the basketball court and campus.
Upon graduation, his lifetime as a farmer-rancher began, in addition to operating Quima Dairy in partnership with Martin Quint.
From 1957 to 1967, he taught junior high students in Dorrance and Wilson, after earning a lifetime teaching certificate from Fort Hays State University. During several summers, he assisted Coach Tex Winter in Colorado, operating one of the first basketball camps for aspiring high school players.
In 1967, he and his family traveled to Sierra Leone, West Africa, where he directed newly minted Peace Corps volunteers and then worked with the University of Illinois' USAID program to promote agricultural improvements.
In 1970, he and Elmo established Tossback, Inc. This company developed, manufactured and marketed innovative sports training equipment and techniques. Ken, known as "Mr. Tossback," and Elmo held several patents, including one for the breakaway basketball rim now used by the NBA, college teams and high schools across the country.
During the past two years, Ken enjoyed numerous celebrations of his life. These included a 40th reunion with his Peace Corps volunteers, the 60th anniversary of his K-State Final Four team (1948), a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kansas State Basketball Coaches Association, a visit to the World War II Museum in New Orleans, a celebration of 60 years of a blessed marriage and induction into the Kansas State Sports Hall of Fame.
Ken's values centered around his profound belief in God and life hereafter, his love of family and friends and his commitment to service to his community, country, and the world. Throughout his life, his passions were storytelling, basketball, preserving and passing along the history of the Dorrance area, horses, flying airplanes, airplane modeling, a good party and bringing his friends from all walks of life together. He generally felt a conversation wasn't worth having if there wasn't a spirited discussion of at least two distinct sides. He endeavored to share the opportunities that he had been given to foster new experiences for others. He was a consummate teacher/coach for basketball skills as well as life issues. Ultimately, his constant goal was to contribute to the success of every team he was on and to encourage everyone he knew to put up their best shots.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, Russell, with the family present to greet friends from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by a rosary recited at 7 p.m.
Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Dorrance, with Father Jim Hoover officiating, followed by interment at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Dorrance.
Memorials are suggested to the Dorrance Historical Society and the cemetery fund. Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of the mortuary. Condolences may also be sent via e-mail at www.pvp mortuary.com.
