Obituary

Ken Halbleib, 74, of Emory, Texas, passed away on May 21, 2015. Ken was battling cancer and chose to donate his body to the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas to further medical research. A memorial service was held in Emory on May 22, but a celebration of his life will be held at First Christian Church in Plainview, Texas, on June 4 at 4 p.m. Ken was born Dec. 27, 1940, in Hays, Kansas. He graduated from Kansas School of Barbering in 1961. He married Cherree Halbleib on Feb. 14, 1965, and they lived in Goodland, Kansas, before relocating to Plainview, Texas, and Emory, Texas. Cherree passed away April 28, 2014. His career included being a barber, a radio/television executive for several stations (KLOE, KVOP, KATX, KKYN), salesman for McGavock Motors and manager for Plainview Housing Authority. Many knew him as "The Wood Doctor" because his true calling was remodeling and building beautiful rooms or furniture. Ken is survived by one daughter, Dr. Dana West and husband Randy of Amarillo; one son, Darin Halbleib and wife Tania of Plainview; and two sisters and three brothers in Kansas, Missouri or Oregon. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Amber Rees and husband Gareth Rees; Amanda West and husband Ish Ledesma; Kenady Castillo and husband JJ; and Jagar Halbleib. He was proud of his three great-grandchildren, Leighton, Nova and Liam. The family suggests donations to Cal Farley's or your favorite charity. We hope friends can join us to celebrate Ken's life at FCC on June 4 at 4 p.m.

Published in Plainview Daily Herald from May 27 to May 28, 2015