Elmer F. Hunninghake, 90, of Seneca, Kansas died late Thursday evening October 4, 2012 at Crestview Manor care home in Seneca.

Elmer was born on August 9, 1922, to Joseph and Rose Dick Hunninghake. He grew up on a farm north of Baileyville. He graduated from high school in 1940 as valedictorian. He served his country from 1942 to 1946 in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a radio man in the Pacific Theatre.

He married Mary Eagan on November 30, 1947 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Axtell, Kansas.

Elmer had a long career owning and managing gas stations in the area. He started in the service station business with his brother Henry in Axtell. After moving to Seneca in 1956, he owned and managed gas stations in Seneca — in succession a Sinclair, an Amoco (formerly Standard), and a downtown Mobil station. These businesses afforded him the opportunity to befriend anyone and everyone. East-coast summer tourists traveling Highway 36 to the mountains would be amazed how Elmer would recall them by name from a prior summer’s stop at the Standard station.

Elmer enjoyed bowling on leagues with Mary and was an avid sports fan. They rarely missed a sporting event that involved one of their four boys. In retirement, Elmer was typically watching a football or baseball game on TV, enjoying country music on the radio, or tending to his many plants, flowers, and birdhouses. He loved the Guy Lombardo music variety show.

He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca, and the St. Joseph Society at the church. He was also a member of the
Knights of Columbus Council #1769 and the American Legion Post #21.

Elmer was preceded in death by his brother Henry Hunninghake on July 10, 1994.

He is survived by Mary, his wife of nearly 63 years; his children, Ron (and Mary Jo) of Wichita, Jerry (and Joanne) of Mesa, Arizona, Dick (and Ginger) of Atchison, and Mike (and Patricia) of Wichita; two brothers, Lester Hunninghake of Seneca and Larry Hunninghake of Kansas City; a sister, Gladys Kongs of Topeka; and 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Without question, Elmer lived a life of love, as devoted husband, respected father, and the ever popular “Grandpa” to all his grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 AM Monday, October 8, at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Sunday, October 7, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Cards and flowers will be treasured, but donations to help fund the research and treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases may be made in Elmer’s memory for the Riordan Clinic in Wichita (www.riordanclinic.org).