Kennard Durfee Wilcock

Long-time and well known resident of Show Low, Kennard Durfee Wilcock was called home Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018, to his Heavenly Father. He was born Feb. 22, 1934, the eldest son of Thara Eyre Wilcock and Ethel Beal Durfee Wilcock in Cowley, Wyoming.

Kennard grew up working the family farm which instilled his wonderful work ethic, but he had the sky in his heart and mind as he really wanted to be a pilot and fly the world. Kennard married his dear sweetheart Luella Rae Larmer in Powell, Wyoming. Luella’s attraction to Kennard was magnified by his purchase of a new Harley Davidson Motorcycle, and that sealed the deal for them. Shortly after they were married they moved to Arizona to help his widowed father raise his younger brother and sister.

In Arizona, he started working construction doing concrete work and general construction, eventually building his own successful contracting company which has done many difficult and challenging projects all over the west. He achieved his dream of becoming a pilot and owning his own planes. He had three planes, and he loved them all. Most of all, he loved to fly, and would often volunteer to fly family and friends to numerous events at his own expense. He and they have many colorful stories involving those memorable trips in the airplanes.

In 1979 Kennard and Luella moved to Show Low, where they have lived ever since. He has been a life-long faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and with his wife has served three different missions: Adam-Ondi-Ahman, Missouri, Cornerbrook, Newfoundland, Canada, and Santa Rosa, California.

Kennard was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brothers Wendell and Brent, and by four young grandchildren.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Luella; his brother Ronald, sisters Arvella Merrill and Thala May Thomas, daughter Linda Barney of Spokane, Washington, son Ken Wilcock of Show Low, daughter Sherri Mix of Mesa, and son Blaine Wilcock of Lakeside; 19 grandchildren, and 35 great-grandchildren.

Kennard loved his Heavenly Father, his family, his church, his work, and generously serving others in so many ways. He is well known for the many generous acts he did for anyone he met, and who needed anything, all at the drop of a hat. He will be dearly missed.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, at the downtown Show Low building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 300 North 11th Street in Show Low, with visitation starting at 9 a.m. Graveside services will follow at the City of Show Low cemetery.