Kenneth Vassar

Kenneth Eugene Vassar, born February 22nd, 1932 in Tulsa, Oklahoma died December 20th, 2011.
Kenneth was very proud that his father, Orville E. Vassar, was a cowboy at the 101 ranch where Kenneths grandparents resided and worked for the Miller Brothers. It was there that his father met his mother, Ethel Francis Levings.
At an early age his family moved to California.
He served proudly in the US Army. In Korea he attained the rank of Sergeant 1st Class and was awarded an Army Occupational Medal Japan, a Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, a United Nations Service Medal, and a Combat Infantryman Badge. He had many army buddies he kept contact with all through the years.
Prior to serving overseas he was married to Patricia McCauley and they had a son, Kenneth Jr., to whom he was recently reunited.
Kenneth Jr. resides in Alaska.
In 1952, Kenneth married Audrey Lee Hensley and they parented joyfully and steadfastly David Lee, Theresa Jean Wise, Judith Ann Buffalo Head, and Stephen L., who will honor and miss him as they do their mother.
He loved music and played the guitar, and sang many good night lullabies to his children i.e. Froggy Went A Courtin, Cannonball Express and Kalajia. He took his family camping and shared Bigfoot stories.
Kenneth was a butcher as were his father and grandfather and a proud member of AFLCIO and worked very hard his entire life.
He raised and raced pigeons and Arabian horses. He loved to work with wood and crafted many things such as Halloween props, yard ornaments, and light houses. He enjoyed reading and the chance to share a good book.
In October of 1996, he married Jeanette Meeks and lived with her happily and content. They traveled and enjoyed life. He was blessed to have met Jeanette. His children are thankful for the time that they shared together. Her children Rick, Janice, Janet, and Susan made him feel welcome, loved, and special.
He was a member of St. Marys Catholic Church of Ponca City.
Kenneth left behind five grandsons and eight granddaughters one of which he raised Nicole Johns. Also fourteen great grandsons, twenty great granddaughters and one greatgreat grandson Noah. This, in addition to Jeanettes grandchildren who also loved him and called him grandpa. He has a brother in California Eddie Vassar, a sister in Missouri Norma Jobe, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Audrey, a brother Ronnie, and his parents who will rejoice in their reuniting.
A rosary service will be held 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 22, 2011 at Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca City. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 23, 2011 at St. Marys Catholic Church with Father Kevin Ratterman presiding. Pall bearers will be Dwight Buffalo Head, Everette VanHoesen, Glenn Otterman, Tim Fleharty, Leo Chaney and James Connor.
He will be missed by all who knew him. Until we meet again, Pa, we love you.