Obituary for Kenneth Willerton

Kenneth Willerton

October 14, 1940 – November 12, 2024

Kenneth Eugene Willerton, 84, beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on Tuesday, November 12th, 2024. A Funeral Ceremony will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, November 15, 2024, at Trout Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Dave Frees officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W. Grand Ave., Ponca City, OK, 74601.

Kenneth was born on October 14, 1940, in Three Sands, Oklahoma, to Christian William and Gertrude (Mason) Willerton. Kenneth’s life was marked by love, music, and dedication. On December 22, 1966, he married Patsy Sue Cranford, the love of his life, with whom he shared decades of happiness, devotion, and laughter.

An avid musician, Kenneth traveled across the United States as a young man, playing guitar and singing for audiences nationwide. His passion for music brought joy to many, and his gentle spirit touched everyone he met. For eight years, Kenneth served in the 95th division of the Army Reserves and after a forty-one year career in law enforcement retired from the Payne County Sheriff’s Department in 2003, as Undersheriff. In his retirement, Kenneth and Patsy enjoyed their winters at Lake Havasu, AZ with friends and their summers in Ponca City, OK with their family. His family remembers him as a patient, kind, and loving role model, ever ready to share his wit, wisdom, and warmth. As a grandfather, Kenneth cherished trips with his grandchildren, creating lasting memories across the country.

Kenneth was preceded in death by: his parents, his five sisters; three brothers; and his beloved wife, Patsy Sue Willerton. He is survived by: his sons, James Kelly and his wife, Donna, and Timothy Willerton; his brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Sue Cranford; his cherished grandchildren, Aubrey Andersen and her husband, Wayne, and Chase Kelly; and his treasured great-grandchildren, Bayler Andersen, Cayden Andersen, Gavyn Andersen, Quaid Andersen, and Felix Kelly. Kenneth also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who were touched by his kindness and compassion.

Kenneth was a cowboy at heart. He rode bulls in the 60’s, to supplement his law enforcement income. He broke 100’s of horses in the 70’s, and loved being outdoors with his horses and friends. A soft-spoken, witty, and devoted man, Kenneth dedicated himself to family, friends, and his career in law enforcement. He leaves a legacy of love, strength, and joy that will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

Pallbearers will be Chase Kelly, Felix Kelly, Wayne Andersen, Bayler Andersen, Cayden Andersen, Gavyn Andersen, Quaid Andersen, Darrin Cranford, Rick Sodowsky, and Brian Horner. Honorary Pallbearers will be Payne County Sheriffs, and Kay County Sheriffs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ponca City Police Foundation Trust, or to Shop with a Cop, 300 E Oklahoma Ave, Ponca City, OK, 74601.

Source: Trout Funeral Home