Kenneth LovePonca City, OK

Kenneth Richard Love

November 29, 1932 - June 12, 2025

Kenneth Richard Love passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, surrounded by his family. Viewing with family present will be between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm, Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Trout Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, June 20, 2025, at Sunset Baptist Church. A Graveside Ceremony will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, June 23, 2025, at Red Oak Cemetery, Red Oak, Oklahoma. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W. Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK, 74601.

Kenneth was born November 29, 1932, in Enid, Oklahoma, the son of Ora Pauline Carpenter Love and Kenneth Hartsel Love. He grew up and spent his childhood in Red Rock, Oklahoma, where he met the love of his life, Virginia Smallwood. They were married December 19, 1952 and enjoyed a 72 year extraordinary journey together.

Kenneth served in the First Armed division of the U.S Army stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, where Kenneth and Virginia moved after they were married. After his service was complete, they moved back to Red Rock, then on to Ponca City where they continued to grow and raise their family. Kenneth worked for Firestone Tire and Rubber Company for 30 years. He retired from Firestone in Enid, Oklahoma, as a salesman and took a job with the Ponca City School System as a bus driver, and in the food services division.

Kenneth enjoyed being involved with his boys activities from sports, scouting, and auto restoration, to riding motorcycles and dune buggies. One of his most favorite hobbies was raising his horses and riding in rodeos and on trail rides. Spending time at the family farm in Red Oak, Oklahoma, was always a fun adventure.

After Kenneth and Virginia retired they enjoyed traveling. Branson, Missouri, was one of their favorite places to take the family over the years. All of the grandchildren have special memories of go-karts and putt-putt golf. They were world travelers hitting most of the 50 states with favorite locations of Alaska and Hawaii. The worldwide traveling included China, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, which was Kenneth’s favorite location he loved to tell stories about. Kenneth loved the Lord and was a long-time member of Sunset Baptist in Ponca City. He was thoroughly involved in many church activities and treasured his church family and fellowship.

Kenneth was survived by: his beloved wife, Virginia; sons, Larry (Doris), Mark (Kelli), and Rick, all of Ponca City; 6 grandchildren, Derek (Katie), Malory (Blake), Sean (Rachel), Shannon (Terrick), Daak (Amber), and Colby (Katie); and 7 great-grandchildren, Skylar, Lucas, Madelyn, Tucker, Marley, Isabella, and Cooper. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Pauline Love, and his cherished sister, Beverly Taylor.

Memorials may be made to the Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 Fairview Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601 and St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.