John Hansberry

Obituary

Class of 1938

1920 – Aug. 23, 1978

J. Hansberry, 98, Engineer For KG&E

When a tough technical problem popped up at KG&E, John Hansberry was the go-to person for the answer.

Hansberry, 98, of Goddard, vice president of engineering for KG&E, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of expertise and dedication.

“When it came to technical expertise,” said Harley Macklin, head of production for KG&E, “there was no one in our company second to him. We always took our toughest problems to John.”

When a debate arose over a procedure, Macklin said, “John always set us on the straight and narrow. He was our direction finder.”

A graduate from the University of Idaho in 1948, Hansberry worked for General Electric for 20 years before joining KG&E in 1968 as chief of engineering. He became vice president of engineering in 1973.

He was active in various engineering organizations, including the Wichita Professional Engineering Society, Kansas Engineering Society, National Society of Professional Engineers, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, and Edison Electric Institute.

Hansberry is survived by his wife, Lila Jean; sons, Alan of Seattle, Craig, Bruce, and Roger, all at home; daughters, Janis of Milan, Mo., and Susan at home; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Hansberry of Weiser, Idaho; and a sister, Mrs. John Englehart of Caldwell, Idaho.

A memorial has been established with the Wichita Professional Engineering Society Scholarship Fund. Donations may be sent in care of Russell Smith, KG&E, P.O. Box 208, Wichita, KS 67201.

Resthaven Mortuary is in charge of the services.

From The Wichita Eagle  – Wed, August 23, 1978