Obituary for Kenneth Kivett

Kenneth Wayne Kivett

February 17, 1935 – May 24, 2024

Kenneth Wayne Kivett passed away in his home on May 24, 2024., at the age of 89 years. He was born February 17, 1935 to Alva Wayne and Muriel Lee Kivett in Manchester, Oklahoma. The family moved to a farm west of Blackwell in 1945 and he attended Lone Tree School through 8th grade, then graduated from Blackwell High School in 1953. He celebrated his 70-year reunion with his class last fall.

Kenneth married Zetta Marie Shurtz in 1954 and they had four children together, along with six grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren.

Kenneth had a long and varied work history. When he was young, he owned and operated a Texaco station in Tonkawa, worked in the oilfield and at the smelter while also farming. He engaged in farming until the early 90s and then moved into Blackwell, starting Kivett Plugging and Pipe Pulling.

He married Sue Vaughn on December 6, 1997 and she preceded him in death August 9, 2016. Kenneth continued to work in the oilfield retiring in 2018 at the age of 83. He married Jane Terrell on September 18, 2019 and she preceded him in death, July 10, 2023. After Jane’s death Kenneth’s health declined but he was happy to be able to live in his home with the help of his kind and fun loving “babysitter”, Sindi Wolfe.

Kenneth attended the Blackwell Methodist Church and enjoyed being a member of the Blackwell Elk’s Lodge and supporting their programs. One of his favorite memories is 6 a.m. Sunday morning coffee with his dad. He will be remembered as a caring and generous friend, always willing to help people in need. Kenneth valued hard work, trustworthiness, and the handshake.

He is survived by three children; Gaye (Kirk) Pennington of Valley Center, KS, Kenna (Dennis) Terrell of Muskogee, OK, Greg (companion Shannon) of Lenexa, KS, step daughter, Sara (Justin) Walker of Blackwell, OK, and step brother, Gerold (Louise) Dewitt of Braman, and step sister, Virginia Mears (Allan) of Annadale, VA.; six grandchildren; Erin (Chris) Duvall of Rogers, AR, Garrett (Erin) Pennington of Manhattan, KS, Amber Moore of Tahlequah, OK, Brady (Desiree) Wilkins of Highlands Ranch, CO, Courtney Kivett (Mike) Miller of Olathe, KS and Brogan Kivett of Overland Park, KS, and ten great grandchildren; Haylen Moore, Aubri Moore, Branden Wilkens, Isabella Wilkens, Jack Duvall, Connor Duvall, Claire Duvall, Ethan Pennington, Everett Pennington, Nolan Kivett Miller, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Shirley Franklin, infant son, Kenneth Jr., stepmother, Thelma Dewitt and stepdaughter, Rebecca Roberson and husband Brent.

A service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 30th in the Blackwell Methodist Church with Rev. Daniel Rickman officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be Haylen Moore, Brogan Kivett, Shawn Haskins, Jon Anderson, R. W. Steen and Joseph Pawlikowsky. Serving as honorary casketbearers will be Troy Roberson, Curtis Bonewell and Loren Valentine.

A memorial has been established in his honor with St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.