Everett Russell Kenney

Everett Russell Kenney, 68, of El Dorado Springs, Mo., passed away suddenly on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2011. Everett was born in Rich Hill, Mo., on Feb. 22, 1943, to Nellie Viola (Crosswhite) Kenney and Raymond Nelson Kenney. He was a 1961 graduate from Nevada High School.

On June 4, 1965, Everett married his one and only love in Decatur, Ill. Jacklyn Sue Edwards was the girl next door and he spent a year wooing her in order to spend the next 46 years of his life with her. In 1970, Everett and Jackie became part of the El Dorado Springs community where they were blessed with three children.

As a young child in Nevada, Everett accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. His relationship with God was evident to the people with whom he came in contact. He worked various jobs as a laborer and farmer over the years of his life. The highlight of Everett's work career was the opportunity to serve as a positive influence at Nevada High School where he spent five years on staff as a custodian. He found joy in being able to interact with youth and share the word of Christ.

Everett was an active member of the First Baptist Church of El Dorado Springs. He served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher for many years. He found fulfillment in preaching the Gospel through the church's nursing home ministry.

Preceding Everett in death were his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie of the home; his three children, Kevin Kenney and wife, Patricia, of El Dorado Springs, Kim Lloyd and husband, Dwayne, of Lebanon, Mo., and Chris Kenney and wife, Jana, of Carthage, Mo.; granddaughters, Morgan and Jeremiah; stepgrandsons, Jeremy and Michael; two sisters, Mary Kenney of Bartlesville, Okla., and Karen Clark and husband, Terry, of Redlands, Calif.; four brothers, Donald Kenney and wife, Sharon, of Florida, Karl Baggett and wife, Sherrill, Paul Baggett and wife, Peggy, and Lawrence Baggett, all of Nevada; and numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends today, Aug. 24, from 6-7 p.m., at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Thursday, Aug. 25, at 2 p.m., at the First Baptist Church in El Dorado Springs with the Revs. Ron Marsh and Chris Kenny officiating. Rita Farris and Jana Kenney will provide music. Interment will follow in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left on the funeral home's Website at: www.blandhackleman.com