Kenneth Melvin Kimmell

Healdton – Funeral Services for Kenneth Melvin Kimmell, 92, will be held on January 4, 2024 @ 11:00AM at Alexander Gray Funeral Home Chapel in Healdton, officiated by his grandson Pastor Joseph Dickinson, pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church in El Paso, Texas. Interment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Ardmore, Oklahoma.

Kenneth was born June 28, 1931 in Arkansas City, Kansas to Lennie and Gertie Alvord Kimmell. Kenneth attended school at Hoisington, Kansas and Newkirk, Oklahoma graduating in 1949 and marring his childhood sweetheart, Winifred Clark Bryson on September 2, 1950.

With a job history at Coca-cola, Boeing Aircraft and Santa Fe Railroad, he eventually began a lifelong career in the oilfield industry. He started as a roustabout on a drilling rig, he then landed a pumper position with JM Huber Corporation where he retired after 42 years of service as District Area Foreman. Ken's long tenure there was enhanced by his invention in 1964 of the Valve Coupler, patented and promoted by Huber Oil Division.

A man dedicated to faith and family, Ken was member of Healdton Assembly of God Church and enjoyed family vacations camping in Colorado and Wyoming. After retirement, Ken and Winnie enjoyed traveling in their RV visiting 49 states. As a grandfather of 10 grandchildren, he was proud to say all 10 are college graduates and all have come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Ken remains a wonderful example of the strength and influence a Godly man has in his family as his 20 great grandchildren follow his footsteps.

His hobbies included remodeling, woodworking, traveling, fly-fishing, camping, and inventing fun things to do. According to his girls, there wasn't anything he couldn't fix.

Ken was an unpublished artist, creating several beautiful wood sculptures of Oklahoma Native American Culture. He also produced a few bronze sculptures depicting the western cowboy.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, infant son Roy Wayne Kimmell, and son Rodney Kimmell. He is survived by his wife of 73 years Winifred Clark Kimmell of the home, Daughters Nancy Percival and husband Harold of Mustang, Oklahoma, Judy Dickinson, and Janice Kimmell both of Ardmore, Oklahoma and Daughter-in-law Carrie Kimmell of Stinnett, Texas, 10 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, brother Grover Kimmell of Odessa, Texas, Sister Barbara Smith of Rockwall, Texas.

Pallbearers are Jason Richardson, John Dickinson, Michael Dickinson, Wesley Kimmell, Josh Mays, and Clay Deering.

Honorary Pallbearers are Harold Percival, Jeremy Eaves, Derek Fairweather and Kelly Bryson.

The family would like to give thanks to the many friends and neighbors who visited, prayed and helped in many ways during Ken's journey. Special thanks to Cross Timbers Hospice members, Matt, Dorothy, Sarah, Rachel, Leta and Jimmie for their attentive and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Cross Timbers Hospice.

Online Condolences may be made at www.alexandergrayfh.com.