Kenneth E. Hanba, age 80, of Athens, Alabama, passed away on August 29, 2026. He was born on October 18, 1945.
Ken graduated from Lawrence Technological University in Michigan. Following college, he lived and worked in Baltimore, Maryland, and Dallas, Texas, before returning to southeast Michigan to begin his long professional career.
Ken spent the majority of his career with Chrysler, starting in Highland Park, Michigan. In 1984, he transferred Chrysler’s Acustar division in Huntsville, Alabama, where he continued his work in automotive electronic engineering and manufacturing support where he would eventually retire. After retirement, he worked as a Senior Principal Engineer with Stanley Associates, contributing to defense-related projects in Huntsville.
Ken was married twice. He first married Barbara Hanba (Sjolander), with whom he raised their three children. He later married Martha Hanba (Hohl), with whom he shared a devoted partnership until her passing earlier this year.
Ken enjoyed woodworking at home where he always had a large collection of tools to choose from. He was always busy with home improvements projects but also made time to build celebratory clocks for family members to mark milestone anniversaries. He was passionate about photography and camera technology, always finding the latest and greatest lens or camera. He was an early adopter of personal computers building his own machines before personal computers were commonplace in the home. He was an avid golfer throughout much of his life finally giving it up for travel in his later years. Throughout his life, Ken enjoyed the company of pet dogs and cats in the home.
Ken made his home in the Huntsville/Madison/Athens area, where he formed lasting connections throughout his life.
He is survived by his children: Scott Hanba, Christie Ariail, and Jonathan Hanba; and by six grandchildren. He is also remembered by extended family and friends.
