Dr. Charles Leroy Kenner

Charles Leroy Kenner
Jonesboro – Dr. Charles L. Kenner, 78 of Jonesboro died Wednesday, March 16, 2011, at St Vincent’s in Little Rock.

Charles Kenner was born on a farm northeast of Elk City, OK. Eventually he completed has education earning a PhD from Texas Tech University in western US history. He was the author of two books on western history as well as numerous articles, papers, and reviews. He taught at Arkansas State University for 30 years, arriving the year before ASU became a university in 1966. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Jonesboro, AR, and for years he diligently volunteered weekly at the Helping neighbors Food Pantry here in Jonesboro. Dr. Kenner traveled extensively and was well known for his western history tours at ASU. He was an avid supporter of the ASU Red Wolves and a long-time member of the Red Wolf Club. Dr. Kenner was considered to have been among the authorities on southwestern US history.

Dr. Kenner was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall and Hazel Kenner of Elk City, OK.

Survivors include his wife Mildred Gephart Kenner of the home, two sons; Rick Kenner and Kevin and wife Kathy Kenner; a daughter LaQuita Kenner Saunders and husband Jeffery Crump, a brother Melbourne and wife Mary Lou Kenner, and his 8 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Emerson Memorial Chapel in Jonesboro with Rev Fred Haustein officiating. Music will be provided by Eric Saunders and Ashley Kenner Smith. Burial will follow on Monday at 2 p.m. at Fairlawn Cemetery in Elk City, OK under the direction of Martin Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Kenner’s grandchildren; Charles Saunders, Eric Saunders, Sean Saunders, Christina Crump, Ashley Smith, Jennifer Rickman, Justin Rickman, Christian Smith.

Visitation is today from 10-11 at the Emerson Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that consideration be given to the Doctor Kenner Scholarship at Arkansas State University, ASU Development Office, or the Helping Neighbors Food Pantry in Jonesboro.

Online Registry: www.emersonfuneralhome.com