Edward Alton Meenen died May 4, 2025, in Clay Center, Kansas. He was born October 6, 1942, to Fritz H. Meenen and Emma Belle (Drake) Meenen at Clay Center, Kansas. He attended public schools and graduated from Clay County Community High School in 1960. Ed attended Kansas State University (K-State) before being drafted into the Army on July 23, 1963. He was trained as a Veterinary Technician where he spent most of his time at Walter Reed Army Hospital, Washington D.C. After being honorably discharged from the Army on June 30, 1969. He went back to school at K-State, where he worked with Dr. K. Gordon Lark, founder of the Department of Biology, now SBS, at Kansas State University. Shortly after, he decided to follow Dr. Lark to the University of Utah in 1970 as Lark’s lab technician before moving to the labs of Ray Gesteland and Robert Weiss. Ed spent the rest of his career researching conotoxins, ion channels, neurobiology and molecular biodiversity. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1986 while working at the University of Utah. While in Utah he enjoyed skiing, rock climbing and visiting national parks. After his retirement in 2008, Ed moved back home to Clay Center, KS and spent time managing the Meenen Farms Inc.
Edward is survived by his sister Dora Morris of Wamego, KS; nieces Nancy (Terry) Moser and Linda Brown of Topeka, KS, Barbara (John) Nagel of Wamego, KS, Suzanne Holcomb of Manhattan, KS; nephews Douglas (Karen) Meenen of Topeka, KS, Michael (Sarah) Meenen of Linn, KS, Pat (Micki) Meenen of Hiawatha, KS, foster nephew Albert (Julia) West of Topeka, KS, Marc Morris of Springfield, MO, and Scot (Karen) Morris of Seguin, TX; and numerous great nieces and nephews.
Edward was predeceased by his parents Fritz and Emma Belle, brother Donald and wife Joann Meenen, brother-in—law Col. Raymond Morris, nephew Randy Brown and foster nephew Bill West.
Cremation is planned with a private inurnment.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Clay Center Presbyterian Manor or to Meadowlark Hospice and can be sent in care of Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home, 918 7th Street Clay Center, Kansas 67432.
