GUERNSEY – Kenneth D. “Ken” “Kenny” Reeves, 64, fought a long courageous battle with cancer and passed away at his home with his family surrounding him on Friday, March 13, 2020.
Kenny was born Sunday, Nov. 27, 1955, to Russel and Leada Mae (Boll) Reeves where they lived east of Chardon, Neb. His folks moved to Hay Springs, Neb., for several months, then to a ranch south of Rushville, Neb.
Kenny had many fond memories while growing up there. He learned to drive a tractor, worked cattle with his father, and even tried to train his Shetland pony, which didn’t happen. He started grade school in a one room schoolhouse. His family moved back to Chadron when he was in the fourth grade. Kenny graduated from Chadron High School in 1974.
In September 1974, he married Valerie Manternach and to this union were born three boys: Ken Jr., Brent, and Clint. They later divorced. Kenny met and married the love of his life Tammy Reffalt on June 10, 2000. With this marriage he gained two more sons, Scott and Kyle Fleck, and a growing number of grandchildren.
Kenny started a career in carpentry with his uncle, Melvin Reeves. In 1978, he applied for a job with the railroad, a lifelong journey. He retired from BNSF in December 2015. Carpentry and welding have always been his passion along with trap shooting with his family and friends. Of course, everything he touched had to be perfect not second best. Kenny was his worse critic. If he couldn’t figure it out, give him an hour.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law; brother-in-law; niece; and nephew.
He is survived by his wife, Tammy Reeves; sons, Ken Jr., Ben, Clint, Scott, and Kyle; nine grandchildren; sister, Terri (Jim) Fankhauser of Black Hawk, S.D.; brother, Everett (Missy) Reeves of Belle Fourche, S.D.; many nieces; nephews; aunts; extended family; and his railroad brothers.
They family would like to thank everyone for your prayers, kind words, phone calls, food, and helping us through our loss.
Kenny didn’t want a service but a celebration of life to be held Saturday, June 13, 2020 at his home outside of Guernsey.
A memorial to the Kenneth D. Reeves Memorial Fund, c/o of Banner Bank; P.O. Box 219, Guernsey, Wyoming 82214 would be appreciated by the family.
The Gorman Funeral Homes – Platte Chapel of Wheatland are in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com.
