Kenneth Harwell

KENNETH HARWELL

Kenneth Lee Harwell, 89, of Silsbee passed from this life and entered the gates of Heaven to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday February 16, 2024.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 22 at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Silsbee under the direction of Farmer Funeral Home in Silsbee with burial following at R.S. Farmer Memorial Cemetery in Silsbee. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 21 at the funeral home.

Kenneth was born on July 28, 1934 in Alvarado, Texas to James Wesley Harwell, Sr. and Stella Nancy Ann Wiley. He grew up in a large farming family and had to work on the farm from an early age. He didn’t have a lot of formal education, but he was the smartest man that we knew. He could do anything he set his mind to. He was kind, generous, fair, and loving. On May 20, 1955 Kenneth married the love of his life Wanda Mae Roye in Blum, Texas. They were married for almost 69 years, and they raised 5 children. He began working for the Santa Fe Railway in Cleburne, Texas at the age of 17 as a Carman Apprentice. After working in several locations in Texas including Slaton, Temple, and Silsbee he was transferred to Wellington, Kansas where he retired as General Car Foreman with 38 years of service to the railroad.

Kenneth and Wanda quickly moved back to Silsbee to begin a 34 yearlong retirement where he took great pride in caring for his yard, his house and most especially his family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping and loved working with wood but his favorite thing to do was attend family gatherings such as birthday parties, family reunions, and church where he considered everyone part of his extended family. He and Wanda took many vacations with family and church friends. In 2016 he finally fulfilled a lifelong dream of taking a vacation to Montana with many of his family members. Kenneth was a faithful member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He was involved in the general maintenance of the building and grounds. He also enjoyed serving in mission work as well as participating as a member of the ABA disaster relief team. He loved his Lord and Savior and taught his family the importance of giving their lives to Christ and then serving the Lord.

Kenneth is survived by his wife Wanda; sons, Richard (Tammie) Harwell and Alton (Lorie) Harwell and daughters, Angela (Roy) Hicks, Karen (Scott) Droddy, and Rebecca (Mike) Roberts; 16 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren and was anticipating 2 more (twins) this month.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, JW Harwell Jr, Stanley Harwell, Billy Harwell, Alfred Harwell and sisters, Edna Hackler, Evelyn Harwell, Betty Hall, Nancy Hutchison, and great grandson, Isaac Lee Harwell.

The family would like to thank the staff of Mill Creek Rehabilitation and Nursing facility for the love and care that they provided for the past several months.

Ben Harwell, Greg Harwell, Jamey Hicks, Justin Droddy, Jarrod Droddy, Jake Droddy, Casey Roberts, and Brett Roberts will serve as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ryan Harwell, Corey Hicks, Josh Roberts.

Alton Harwell and Mike Roberts will officiate the funeral service.