Josh Lawrence Kenyon

Joshua Lawrence Kenyon, 27 of Fort Sumner, NM died Sunday, June 1, 2008 of an accidental drowning at Lake Sumner, NM. Josh was born February 26, 1981 in Fort Sumner the son of Peggy Finney and James A. Kenyon. He was raised and attended school at Fort Sumner, graduating in 1999. While attending Fort Sumner High School Josh worked for his grandparents at Finney Farms and also at Kenyon Family Farms in the Fort Sumner valley. For several years Josh worked as a lineman for C & P Contracting. He returned to Fort Sumner in March of this year and was currently working at Finney Farms. Josh loved riding his Harley motorcycle, water sports, horse back riding, and spending time with his friends. Josh loved people and people loved Josh. He was in the process of remodeling his great-grandmother’s residence in the valley where he planned to make his home. Josh was a loving son, brother, grandson, uncle, cousin and friend. He will be missed by his mother and step-father Peggy and Chris Melander of Caney, Kansas, his father James Kenyon of Fort Sumner; two sisters Shauna Walker and her husband Jett; Krista Kenyon all of Zachery, LA. Also surviving are his maternal grandparents Lawrence and Joyce Kenyon, his paternal grandparents Denzel and Annie Mae Finney all of Fort Sumner; his step-grandparents Kenneth and Mildred Melander of Caney, Kansas; one nephew Colton Walker of Zachery, KS; many uncles, aunts, cousins, other family and friends. Josh is also survived by a very special companion and a man’s best friend Jade. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, June 7, 2008 from the First United Methodist Church in Fort Sumner with Pastor Keith Niehaus officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Travis Foster, Derek Blea, Mike Bedaw, L.K. Minton, Jason Saiz, Jeremy Detrich, Greg Lucero, and Denzel Finney. Honorary bearers will include all of his many friends. Josh’s family and friends gathered at Lake Sumner State Park on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 for a 6:00 PM vigil service. During the time of the vigil service a Lake Sumner Park Ranger and a member of the Lake Sumner Fire Department while on boat patrol located the body of Josh Kenyon about 600 yards from where the vigil was held. The Kenyon and Finney families would like to thank everyone who assisted them during these very difficult days including the Search and Rescue teams, Fort Sumner business community, and all their friends who offered prayers, comfort and support. The family prefers memorial contributions to the Fort Sumner Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 180, Fort Sumner, New Mexico; American Legion Lake Sumner c/o HC64 Box 139D, Fort Sumner, NM 88119; Lake Sumner Fire/Rescue c/o HCR 64 Box 138, Fort Sumner, NM. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 804 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, NM. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or sign the guestbook please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com