Kenneth "Kenny" C. Cranson

Services for Kenneth Calvin Cranson will be held Wednesday, Dec 22, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene, 10th and Topeka Ave., La Junta with Wayne Cathey of the First Southern Baptist Church. Visitation will be Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
He passed away unexpectedly at home, from a heart attack, December 17th, 2010.
Kenneth Calvin Cranson was born May 9th, 1947 to Calvin and Mary Cranson in La Junta at the Mennonite Hospital. He is the oldest of seven children. He graduated from La Junta High School in 1965, attended OJC and went on to CSU and received degrees in animal production and teaching.
Kenny married his childhood sweetheart, Janell Frye, December 14th, 1968. They were blessed with three daughters and a son. Molly (Jason) Stuchlik, Kendi (Everitt) Groves, Cassy (Chip) Roweth, and John (Kathy) Cranson. Fourteen grandchildren will miss their “Boppy”: Ryan, Tyler, and Tristan Stuchlik; Bryghton, Ashtyn, Josi, Jacob, and Braislea Groves; Hope, Chase, and Clay Roweth; Peyton, Kolter, and Kennedy Cranson. His family was the light of his life and his hobbies and interests were centered on anything that could involve them.
Kenny taught Vocational Ag at Rocky Ford HS and was the Future Farmers of America advisor. He initiated and taught a Young Farmer Program at OJC. Although he loved his students and teaching, his heart drew him back to Cranson’s Golden Rule Dairy, a three generation family business. He operated the business with his father Cal for ten years, and then went into the food service business. Modern Woodmen of America recruited him to join their fraternal financial services organization. He especially appreciated their many programs which gave back to the community, and the special friends he worked with over the past 10 years.
Ken was a man of great faith, vision and purpose. He served his Lord as a Deacon and chairman of the Finance Committee for First Southern Baptist Church. As a young man, he taught Sunday school and was a youth group leader.
He shared his love of horsemanship with the youth of the Arkansas Valley by first leading and later co-leading the Mill Iron Wranglers with Molly, his daughter, and enjoyed helping with the La Junta Kids Rodeo.
He was a member of Monday Evening Club, a past member of Lions Club and served on the LJ Public Schools Accountability Committee. He loved his country and was proud to have been a member of the Colorado National Guard.
Kenny was unselfish with his time and talent. He was always willing to help. He loved children, and had a GREAT sense of humor. His warm hugs and smiles of encouragement will be greatly missed.
Kenny is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and mother, Mary, brothers, Russell (Marla) of Odessa ,TX, Tead (Anita) of Monte Vista, Eddie (Denise ) of Brush; sisters Linda (Gayle) Senor of Swink, Susie Turner, La Junta, Mary Ann (Jim) Nichols, Rockport, Indiana, as well as 38 nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his father Calvin, grandparents N. W. and Ethel Cranson, Sophia Russell; uncles Jerry Russell, Walt and Don Cranson, Jay Yoder, aunt Barbara Yoder, Mother-in-Law Ruthie Frye, Brother and Sister-in-law Jerry and Darlyn Frye, and nephew Bill Nichols.
Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made in memory of Kenny Cranson to the charity of your choice.