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Herbert Charles Kenyon
Herbert Charles Kenyon was born on February 15, 1931, in Spokane, WA, to Guy and Edna (Decker) Kenyon. He joined sisters Anita and Anola, and later the family grew with the birth of brothers Douglas and Rodney. When Herbert was age three, the family returned to the family farm north of Johnstown, NE. As the eldest son, Herbert learned farming from his father, continuing to work on the family farm while his father sought work at other farms to help support the family. He graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1948 and soon met a beautiful young lady named Ruth Shaw at church, and they fell in love. In 1951, he enlisted in the US Air Force, and they continued their courtship by way of cards and letters. Herbert was discharged from the service in December 1955, and he married Ruth the following summer on June 29, 1956.
While living on the farm in Johnstown, NE, Herb and Ruth started their family. First came Marcia in 1957, Wesley in 1959, Harlan in 1961, Starla in 1963 and Orvil in 1964. In December 1967, they moved to Ainsworth, NE and added to their family a daughter Cathryn in 1971. In June 1972, the family moved to Spencer, NE when Herbert was transferred to a larger route with Old Home Bread. After years of prayer and seeking God’s direction, they made the decision to move the family to Colorado Springs in August 1978 so Herbert could attend Nazarene Bible College. While attending school, Herb began working as a custodian at First Presbyterian Church in 1979 and continued that work after graduating in 1983. He worked and ministered there tirelessly until his retirement in 2012 and was a constant blessing to those he served. During retirement, he continued serving his community as a volunteer with Silver Key Senior Services for several years.
Herbert was simply a hardworking man who never complained but got up every day, put a smile on his face, and worked hard to support his family. He was a man of strong faith who loved the Lord. His legacy lives on with his children who were raised with a solid foundation of faith, a strong work ethic and a powerful sense of personal responsibility.
Herbert was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth (Shaw) Kenyon; son Orvil Kenyon; son-in-law, Josh Kendricks; brothers, Douglas and Rodney Kenyon; sisters Anola Schenk and Anita Hunter; and parents, Guy and Edna Kenyon.
He is survived by brother David (Sandy) Barnick of Glendive, MT; sons, Wesley (Deby) Kenyon and Harlan (Ronda) Kenyon of Colorado Springs; daughters, Marcia Kenyon of Stilwell, KS, Starla Kendricks of Olathe, KS and Cathryn (Michael) Griffiths of Colorado Springs; grandchildren, Amanda (Mike) Murphy of Pearland, TX, Carl Kenyon of Colorado Springs, Allan Kenyon of Longview, TX, Caitlin (Jeff) Klestinske of Independence, MO, Jeremy Griffiths of Colorado Springs, Andrew Griffiths of Colorado Springs, Leslie Watkins of Rayville, LA, Tammy Kendricks of Rayville, LA, Michael Kendricks of Monroe, LA, Phillip (Leslie) Simons of Olathe, KS, Leroy (DeeDee Jones) Giles of Lenexa, KS, Jamie (Jessie) Harris of Olathe, KS, Joshua Kendricks of Olathe, KS; great-grandchildren, Ariana, Donavyn and Braelynn Murphy of Pearland, TX and Giovanni Griffiths of Colorado Springs; and many much-loved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Herbert was a resident of the Bear Creek Senior Living Center in Colorado Springs, CO at the time of his passing. His family would like to thank the wonderful staff who helped care for him there, with special thanks to the compassionate staff of Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care.
Services were held on Monday, January 23, 2023 at Eastborough Church of the Nazarene in Colorado Springs. Burial followed at Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs.
Memorial contributions can be made to Voice of the Truth, PO Box 15013, Colorado Springs, CO 80935; or Eastborough Church of the Nazarene, 4123 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80909.
Cards and letters for the family can be sent to Wes Kenyon, 4929 Dewar Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80916.
