1921
Kenneth
2017
Kenneth Willey
November 9, 1921 — December 1, 2017
Kenneth Willey, 96, of Independence, MO passed away peacefully on Friday, December 1, 2017 at Country Oak Village in Grain Valley, MO. A visitation will be held from 9-10am on Friday, December 8, 2017 at Speaks Suburban Chapel 18020 E. 39th St S, Independence, MO, 64055. A service will follow at 10am at the chapel.
He was born in New Rockford, ND on November 9, 1921 to Alma and Ray Willey, the 8th of 10 children. He lived in his hometown until he entered the Army in January of 1943 and honorably discharged on February 2, 1946. On August 1, 1943 Kenneth married his high school sweetheart, Ava Stowell and they were married nearly 70 years. Their union was blessed with five children: Mike, Carolyn, Tom, Rich and Steve.
From an early age, Kenneth loved playing his guitar with his brothers and family at sing-a-longs for decades. His favorite gig was with a group called the “Sonshine Boys”. He was very active in the Community of Christ where he last served as Elder. He enjoyed seeing his grandchildren grow and attended many basketball, football, volleyball, baseball, and soccer events. Kenneth retired from the Post Office after 22 years. He and Ava loved traveling the country with good friends and family.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his sons Mike and Tom; grandson Patrick Barnhard; and his loving wife Ava. Surviving him are his children Carolyn (Dwight) Barnhard, Richard (Julie) Willey, Steve (Brenda) Willey; daughter-in-laws Judy Willey-Ford and Sue Willey; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great grandchildren.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com.
(Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)
He was born in New Rockford, ND on November 9, 1921 to Alma and Ray Willey, the 8th of 10 children. He lived in his hometown until he entered the Army in January of 1943 and honorably discharged on February 2, 1946. On August 1, 1943 Kenneth married his high school sweetheart, Ava Stowell and they were married nearly 70 years. Their union was blessed with five children: Mike, Carolyn, Tom, Rich and Steve.
From an early age, Kenneth loved playing his guitar with his brothers and family at sing-a-longs for decades. His favorite gig was with a group called the “Sonshine Boys”. He was very active in the Community of Christ where he last served as Elder. He enjoyed seeing his grandchildren grow and attended many basketball, football, volleyball, baseball, and soccer events. Kenneth retired from the Post Office after 22 years. He and Ava loved traveling the country with good friends and family.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his sons Mike and Tom; grandson Patrick Barnhard; and his loving wife Ava. Surviving him are his children Carolyn (Dwight) Barnhard, Richard (Julie) Willey, Steve (Brenda) Willey; daughter-in-laws Judy Willey-Ford and Sue Willey; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great grandchildren.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com.
(Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kenneth Willey, please visit our flower store.
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Friday, December 8, 2017
Speaks Suburban Chapel
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