Clay Kenward

Clay Kenward, 83, of Jonesboro, died Sunday, September 23, 2018 at his home.  He was a life-long resident of Jonesboro.   He was a member of First Baptist Church, where he sang in the church choir and was an acclaimed soloist.  He was a member of the Lion’s Club; State Licensure Board of Civil Engineers; He was on the Salvation Army Board and apple sales; and served the First Baptist Church Care Center as a volunteer for many years. His father, John H. Kenward was the owner of Kenward’s Flowers.  He was the co-founder of Celebrate Recovery at FBC. Clay graduated from the University of Arkansas as a Civil Engineer.  He was a member of the State Board of Engineers.  He was a member of the Big Island Hunting Club.  He played football for JHS and the University of Arkansas. Clay was also a member of the Jonesboro Supper Club; and the Jonesboro Planning Commission; Haywood, Kenward, Bare, and Associates; Jonesboro Elks Lodge #498.  He was the Jonesboro City Engineer. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Margaret Kenward; one daughter, Debbie Kenward and his parents.

Survivors include his daughters, Rebecca York of Paragould; Tami Kenward of Little Rock; and Kristi Kenward-Easom of Jonesboro; sister, Cynthia Ann Melnick (Lester) of Dallas, Texas; seven grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 2:00 Wednesday, September, 26, 2018, at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Kathy Holler officiating, and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.  Burial will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery with Sam Kenward, Noah Easom, Neil York, Jeremy Holler, Steve Mayville, Garry Tate and Gabe Easom serving as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers are Terry Bare, Mark McJunkin, William Roberts (Jeanie), George Osborn (Janice), Carter Dryer (Lavelle), Roy Cooper (Lois Ann), Ron Waddell, Ryan Holler, Celebrate Recovery at First Baptist Church, Sanctuary Choir at FBC, Dr. Ray Hall, Dr. Michael Isaacson, FBC Care Center Ministry, all of the nurses, therapist, staff and caregivers who gave unselfishly in the care for Clay; Amy Goza, June and Carl Lacy. Visitation will be from 12:30 Wednesday until service time.

To sign an online registry, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.  For lasting memorials, please consider the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 1148 E. Matthews, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401; the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas,  P.O. Box 2097, Jonesboro Arkansas 72402; NEA Baptist HopeCircle , P.O. Box 1960 Jonesboro, Arkansas 72403; or  the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), 1012 Autumn Road, Suite 1, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72211-3763.