We lovingly remember Dr. Kenneth Wright Lovern, who was born on September 16, 1936, in Hartford, Connecticut, and was raised in Dothan, Alabama, where the values that shaped his life first took root. Kenneth passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, surrounded by love.

Kenneth was a man of deep integrity, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to his family. Before his military service, he achieved an extraordinary accomplishment by graduating from the University of Tennessee with a Doctorate in Dentistry in 1959, at just 22 years old. That dedication and work ethic defined everything he did.

Kenneth went on to serve his country with pride as a Major in the United States Air Force. His service took his family around the world and gave him a lifelong sense of purpose, humility, and respect for others.

At the heart of Kenneth’s life was his love story with Ann. They met on a blind date and were married on March 25, 1960, at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. Ann was the love of his life, and together they shared 65 incredible years of marriage, filled with devotion, partnership, and countless memories. Their life together took them to England and France, where their daughter Nancy was born, then to San Antonio, Texas, where their daughter Katy was born, followed by Charleston, South Carolina, before they finally made their home in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Shortly after settling in Jonesboro in the spring of 1966, Dr. Lovern opened his dental practice, a profession he truly loved. Dentistry was never just a job to him—it was a calling. He cared deeply for his coworkers and staff, and above all for his patients, many of whom became lifelong friends. He took great pride in providing thoughtful, compassionate care, and his patients always knew they mattered to him.

Above all else, Kenneth was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Family was his greatest joy. He was steady, patient, and always present, offering support, wisdom, and unconditional love to every generation.

Kenneth also found joy on the golf course. As an avid golfer, he treasured time spent playing with family and his close circle of friends known as “The Noon Group.” Those rounds were filled with laughter, friendly competition, and stories we will always cherish.

Kenneth is survived by his beloved wife, Ann Lovern; his daughter, Katy Lovern-O’Riley, and her husband, Shawn O’Riley; his grandchildren, Zachary Lovern-O’Riley (wife Emily Lovern-O’Riley), Ethan Lovern-O’Riley, Kason Lovern-O’Riley, Ian Malcolm, and Caitlin Malcolm; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Kamden and Kollins Lovern-O’Riley.

He is now reunited in heaven with his cherished daughter Nancy Elizabeth, his mother Buella Wright, his father Clyde Oliver, and his sister Betty Roughton.

Many knew him as Kenneth or Ken, but to those who will carry on his legacy with pride and unwavering love, he will always be our Da.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Emerson Funeral Home starting at 1PM and will conclude at the start of the funeral service at 2PM. Pastor Jonathan Griesse will be officiating the service and burial will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery.