Kenneth Wayne Edelen of Durant, peacefully passed away at his home on Sunday, March 24, 2019 at the age of 72. He was born in Mead, Okla. on May 3, 1946 to Carl Alton Edelen and Ina Pearl (Beal) Edelen.
Ken began first grade in Mead, Okla. He moved to Durant in 1956 at the age of 10. He enjoyed riding horses with friends and playing Pony League Baseball at D.V. Keithley Park. At Durant High School, Ken played varsity football and basketball. He proudly served our country in the United States Navy Reserve.
Ken married the love of his life, Susan Cantrell on August 1, 1964 in Durant. The couple spent more than 54 wonderful years together.
During his studies at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, he worked at the Durant Safeway for four years. After Southeastern, he became a corporate executive for Safeway. He worked in Tulsa, Okla.; Oakland, Calif.; San Diego, Calif.; Butte, Mont.; Billings, Mont; and Edmond, Okla. before eventually retiring.
Upon retirement, Ken became President and Chairman of the Board at National Food and Beverage, Inc. in Dallas, Texas.
Ken and Susan returned to his childhood home of Durant after his second retirement. Ken volunteered his time to the Durant Riding Club, while maintaining a goal to create the best rodeo experience for the community.
Ken loved watching Fallon play soccer, Jacey and J.W. participating in their rodeo events, going deer hunting with Creed and watching Ciara’s drill team.
Preceding him in death are his parents Carl and Ina Edelen; siblings, Mary Lou Smith, Carlene Phillips, James Edelen, Charles Edelen, and Hazel Hendrix.
Loved ones left to cherish Kenneth’s memory are his wife Susan of the home; sons, Jeff Edelen of Durant, Okla. and Aaron Edelen and wife Terri of Prosper, Texas; grandchildren, Ciara Edelen, Fallon Edelen, Jacey Edelen, J.W. Edelen, and Creed Edelen; brother-in-law Pete Cantrell and wife Wyvonne of Richardson, Texas along with several nieces, nephews, great-nephews, great-nieces and numerous dear friends.
Services to honor Kenneth’s life will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at Brown’s Funeral Service Chapel in Durant with Pastor Monty Wood and Bro. Pete Cantrell officiating. Interment will follow in Highland Cemetery with Arthur Tidwell, Eric Loftis, Ben Smith, Pete Cantrell, Joe Edelen, and Jimmy Edelen serving as pallbearers. The family will accept friends, Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made to the family at brownsfuneralservice.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Brown’s Durant Funeral and Cremation Service.