Kenneth Wayne 'K.W.' Whitehurst

November 14, 1941 - June 11, 2019

WINTERS: Kenneth Wayne “K.W.” Whitehurst passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at his home in Winters. A graveside service will be held in the McBee Cemetery, Ovalo, at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 14, 2019, officiated by Mark Moore of Lawn Baptist Church, directed by Fry-Smith Funeral Home, Tuscola. A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 13 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home in Tuscola.


Kenneth was born in Tolar, Texas on November 14, 1941 to Clifton Caswell and Addie Jane (Atwood) Whitehurst. His family moved to Ovalo where Kenneth attended school. He began helping his father and brothers as they worked on several ranches west of Ovalo.


He married Gayle June Willingham on January 20, 1961 in Abilene, Texas. As the years passed, Kenneth and Gayle welcomed four children into the family. After working in the machining field and a short stint in the dairy business, he went to the oilfield, beginning with Dowell Services and eventually retired after years of service with Pride Refinery. As the oilfield often dictates, there were several job relocations; however, they eventually settled in northern Runnels County.


Kenneth had a passion for mechanics; from diesel tractor trucks to tractors, he enjoyed them all. At the time of his passing, he was in the middle of restoring an 8N Ford tractor in his shop.


Kenneth was a happy man who deeply loved his family. He loved to laugh and passed the gift of laughter on to his children. He enjoyed the outdoors whether working the land, working with cattle, or simply being near water playing and fishing. Most especially, at his side was his very best friend, Gayle June.


He is survived by Gayle, his wife of 58 years; daughters Candi Edwards and husband Tim, Penny Pinkston and husband Doug; sons Larry Whitehurst and wife Rose Mae, Kelvin Keith Whitehurst and wife Kristi; seven grandchildren: Chris, Wayne, Kevin, Harley, Kaylee, Kade and Emily. He is also survived by thirteen great grandchildren, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.


He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers: Cleve and Eugene, and his sisters: Desi Ray, Sadie O’Bar, and Rita Lipham.


Condolences may be left at www.fry-smith.com.