Kenneth Wayne Wohl, Sr. of Leedey, Oklahoma passed away on October 17, 2015 at the age of 66. Kenneth is the son of Andrew “Andy” Wohl and Wanda (Owens) Meyer and was born July 3, 1949 at his grandparent’s home near Rhea, Oklahoma. Kenneth lived a short time in the Leedey area as a young child and stayed many summers and holidays there with his grandparents. His family lived in the Midland/Odessa, Texas area until they moved to Clinton, Oklahoma in 1966, where Kenneth graduated in 1967.
This is where he met his bride-to-be. Kenneth and Tarena were united in marriage on February 7, 1969 at the First Baptist Church in Clinton, OK. Four months later Kenneth was drafted into the Army and was sent to Ft. Polk, Louisiana for basic training, followed by AIT training at “Tiger Land.“ In November 1969, he was deployed to Vietnam for a one-year tour of duty. He proudly served his country as a member of the 25th Infantry, Armored Division. During his tour, Kenneth received two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, two Vietnam Service Medals and three Marksman Medals. He was honorably discharged at Ft. Hood, Texas in June of 1971. Kenneth made his profession of faith in Christ and was baptized in 1970, upon his return home from Vietnam.
Kenneth was employed by Safeway Stores, from 1971-1981, where he worked in management positions, throughout the Oklahoma City District. June 1, 1977 Tahna Lanae, their first child was born. He was transferred to El Reno, OK later that year. On June 26, 1980 their second child, Kenneth Wayne, Jr., was born. In late 1980, Kenneth (now Kenneth Sr.) decided to become a barber/stylist and began his two year training. April 10, 1982 their third child, Kyla Janae was born. Upon completion of his schooling, in November of 1982, the family moved to Leedey. He opened his Barber/style Shop in May of 1983 where he worked for 32 years. Kenneth was also employed as a substitute rural mail carrier for 22 years and a commercial game bird breeder for 22 years.
Kenneth was active in community service and organizations. He served as an Emergency Medical Technician on the local ambulance service for 28 years, and served as a board member for 27 years. He has remained as Chairman of the Ambulance Board for 22 years. He served as a volunteer firefighter for 23 years, was Fire Chief eight years and on the Rural Fire Association Board for 17 years. He served as Municipal Judge for the town of Leedey for three years. He was a dedicated member of the Chamber of Commerce for 32 years, during which he served four terms (6 years) as President and remained on the board until recently. He was secretary of the Rhea Cemetery Board and was still serving as adjutant of the local American Legion.
This is where he met his bride-to-be. Kenneth and Tarena were united in marriage on February 7, 1969 at the First Baptist Church in Clinton, OK. Four months later Kenneth was drafted into the Army and was sent to Ft. Polk, Louisiana for basic training, followed by AIT training at “Tiger Land.“ In November 1969, he was deployed to Vietnam for a one-year tour of duty. He proudly served his country as a member of the 25th Infantry, Armored Division. During his tour, Kenneth received two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, two Vietnam Service Medals and three Marksman Medals. He was honorably discharged at Ft. Hood, Texas in June of 1971. Kenneth made his profession of faith in Christ and was baptized in 1970, upon his return home from Vietnam.
Kenneth was employed by Safeway Stores, from 1971-1981, where he worked in management positions, throughout the Oklahoma City District. June 1, 1977 Tahna Lanae, their first child was born. He was transferred to El Reno, OK later that year. On June 26, 1980 their second child, Kenneth Wayne, Jr., was born. In late 1980, Kenneth (now Kenneth Sr.) decided to become a barber/stylist and began his two year training. April 10, 1982 their third child, Kyla Janae was born. Upon completion of his schooling, in November of 1982, the family moved to Leedey. He opened his Barber/style Shop in May of 1983 where he worked for 32 years. Kenneth was also employed as a substitute rural mail carrier for 22 years and a commercial game bird breeder for 22 years.
Kenneth was active in community service and organizations. He served as an Emergency Medical Technician on the local ambulance service for 28 years, and served as a board member for 27 years. He has remained as Chairman of the Ambulance Board for 22 years. He served as a volunteer firefighter for 23 years, was Fire Chief eight years and on the Rural Fire Association Board for 17 years. He served as Municipal Judge for the town of Leedey for three years. He was a dedicated member of the Chamber of Commerce for 32 years, during which he served four terms (6 years) as President and remained on the board until recently. He was secretary of the Rhea Cemetery Board and was still serving as adjutant of the local American Legion.
Kenneth enjoyed field trialing and participated for almost 25 years. He served as President of the Oklahoma Region of NSTRA for 16 years. He served as a Trial Chairman and Certified Judge for numerous trials. Kenneth judged many out-of-state, regional and several National trials. He was also a National Judging Instructor. He guided the Grand National Quail Hunt for many years. Kenneth loved quail hunting and working with his dogs. He acquired many trophies, but was most proud of the recognition awards from his fellow trialers.
Kenneth’s pride and joy was his family. He was a loving husband, Dad and Grandpa. He was a special son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. Those who preceded him in death: his father, Andrew John Wohl, paternal grandparents John and Rosa (Klein) Wohl, maternal grandparents Charles & Florence (Ferrell) Owens, five uncles and two aunts. Those surviving to cherish his memory are his wife Tarena Wohl, of the home, daughter Tahna Harrel and husband Brent and their children Kaden Dalton and Brady Wayne of Elk City, OK; son Kenneth Wohl, Jr. and wife Lori and their child Wilson Tripp of Edmond, OK; daughter Kyla Janae Grillot and husband Joel of Edmond, OK; parents Delbert and Wanda Meyer of Leedey, OK, brother Donald Wohl and wife Gail of Butler, OK; sister Lometa Lee and husband David of Arapaho, OK; Sister Debbie Meyer of Upland, California; sister Kathy Dodson and husband Gary of Leedey, OK; mother-in-law Talva McDaugale of Elk City, OK; sister-in-law Rhonda Colbert and husband Walter of Edmond, OK; sister-in-law Sheryl Kern and husband Dan of Edmond, OK; sister-in-law Larenda Thomas of Yukon, OK, nine nephews, seven nieces and their 15 children, eight aunts, two uncles, numerous cousins and a host of dear friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Leedey High School Auditorium with burial following at Rhea Cemetery, Leedey, Oklahoma. Condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed at shawfuneralhome.net. Shaw Funeral Home of Leedey.
Elk City Daily News October 20, 2015