Lawrence C. Kenyon

Lawrence Kenyon, age 81, a longtime Fort Sumner farmer passed away at his home Monday, April 21, 2014 following an illness. His family was at his bedside. Lawrence was born November 19, 1932 in Vaughn, NM the son of Lester and Nellie (Barnett) Kenyon. His family moved to the Fort Sumner valley when Lawrence was 15. He graduated from Fort Sumner High School in 1950. Lawrence enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant on February 17, 1960. His citations include the Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Lawrence returned to Fort Sumner where he farmed with his parents in the valley, he also drove a hay hauling truck for Clarence Cones for a few years and worked for the Denison Machine Shop in Fort Sumner. Lawrence purchased his family farm in the valley where he and his family continue farming today. Lawrence married Joyce Randleman on January 3, 1962 in Clovis, NM. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Fort Sumner, enjoyed bowling with the Men's League and along with his wife they also bowled in the Mixed Doubles league. He enjoyed playing horseshoes, dominoes, cards, especially 42, and scrabble. According to his family, he was good at all he did. Lawrence according to his family was the president of the Kenyon Club. Lawrence is preceded in death by his parents, a grandson Joshua Kenyon, and two sisters Lydia Welch and Louise Roberts.He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His survivors include his wife Joyce Kenyon of the family farm, a daughter Darlene (Mike) Butler of Lubbock, Texas, four sons James Kenyon of Fort Sumner, Virgil (Nina) Kenyon of Sierra Vista, Arizona, Les (Patsy) Kenyon of Fort Sumner, Clifford (Molly) Kenyon of Fort Sumner,  three sisters Shirley (Jim) Bryant of Carlsbad, Francine (Jim) Silva of Bedford, Texas, LaVerne (Bob) Stephens of Alamogordo, two brothers Leonard Kenyon of Wink, Texas and David (Cheryl) Kenyon of Fort Sumner, 40 plus grandchildren, too many nieces and nephews to count along with a community full of friends and good neighbors.Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Friday, April 25, 2014 at the First Baptist Church in Fort Sumner with Rev. John Russo officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his grandsons Daniel Kenyon, Justin Butler, Adam Kenyon, Jon Kenyon, Reed Kenyon, Zach Kenyon, Robert Kenyon, and Ethan Butler. Honorary bearers will be all his grandchildren.Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, NM. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book please go to www.chavezfuneralhome.com