Phillip Martin Puntney

Phillip Martin Puntney, 71, died June 28 at Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, Kansas. Born Feb.10, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri, he grew up in Mexico, Missouri, and then attended the University of Missouri, at Columbia where he received two bachelor’s degrees in journalism and education. Following graduation in 1968, he enlisted in the Army and served in Vietnam. An accomplished writer, designer, photographer and cartoonist he was editor of the Maryville (Missouri.) Forum from 1971-1978 and the Arkansas City (Kansas) Traveler from 1978-1989. In January 1990 he moved to Manhattan and joined the American Institute of Baking communications department until he retired. A consummate educator, Puntney was eager to help anyone interested in writing or photography. He taught as an adjunct professor at Cowley County Community College in Arkansas City, Kansas, and in the A.Q. Miller School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Kansas State University. Students remember him for his rigorous lessons, relaxed teaching style and his unique sense of humor. An avid bicyclist, he biked the Katy Trail in Missouri and rode his recumbent in the Bike Across Kansas, recording the trips and scenery with his trusty Nikon. His photography became his diary, capturing the people, places and the moments of a life well lived. Although his demeanor could be that of an irritable newspaper editor, he found joy in children, dogs and all things beautiful, including the Flint Hills, music, art, books, and a stimulated intellect. Family and the written word were at the center of his life. He had an epigrammatic wit. He also generally deplored traffic circles and begrudgingly played board games. He was preceded in death by his daughter Amanda, his parents Lawrence and Grace Puntney, and a sister Mari Boydstun. He is survived by his wife Linda, his son Todd Puntney and his wife Suzanne and three granddaughters: Caroline, Audrey and Lillianl and his brother and sister-in-law, Steven and Elizabeth Lenhert. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Phillip Martin and Amanda Sue Puntney Journalism Grant through the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, 555 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502. A celebration of life for the family and close friends will be at 11 a.m., July 3 at the family home.