Kenneth R. DeFreece

Kenneth R. DeFreece, 85, of Kimball, died at his home in Kimball on Saturday, July 11, 2015. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, at the Evangelical Free Church in Kimball with Pastor Hod Boltjes officiating. Cremation has been held and inurnment will be held at a later date.

Friends were able to stop at the funeral home on Tuesday, July 14, from 1-5 p.m. to sign the register book and leave condolences for the family.

Friends may visit http://www.cantrellfh.com to view Ken's Tribute Wall and leave messages for the family. Memorials may be given in memory of Ken to the Kimball Evangelical Free Church. The services for Ken have been entrusted to the Cantrell Funeral Home.

Kenneth Ray DeFreece was born in Cook on Nov. 2, 1929, the son of Walter and Francis (Ramsey) DeFreece. He moved with his family to Burns, Wyo., and then to Egbert where he attended and graduated from high school. He moved to Cheyenne and worked for Halliday Motors before moving to Pine Bluffs and working for the Co-op.

In 1959, Ken was married to Donna Cotton in Cheyenne, Wyo. They moved to Casper in 1962 where Ken worked for Sheppard Body Shop painting cars. He worked for Teton Drilling before moving to Kimball in 1968. He worked for George Haines at Kimball Auto Parts until his retirement in 1995. Ken was a fan of the Colorado Rockies and the Wyoming Cowboys. He spent many years as a crossing guard for Kimball Public Schools. He loved his family and his grandchildren were the joy of his life.

Survivors include his wife, Donna DeFreece of Kimball; daughters, Karen (Paul) O'Brien of Highlands Ranch, Colo., and Sharon (Clint) Mankin of Grand Island; grandchildren, Caleb, Jennifer, Rachel and Jacob Mankin and Sarah and Jack O'Brien; great granddaughter, Addison Mankin; special nephew, Walt (Karen) DeFreece and their children Jason and Michelle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Arlene Long; and two, brothers Walt and Bill.