Thomas Jefferson Kenton

Thomas J. “Tom” Kenton, 83, of Lexington, Nebraska, died at home Thursday, July 17, 2008, near Lexington. He was born February 23, 1925, at Springfield, Missouri to Joseph Wheeler and Mary Christine (Callison) Kenton. When Tom was 8 years old he moved to Jefferson City, Missouri from Branson. He was a graduate of Jefferson City High School and received a full ride scholarship to play football at Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau. During his first term in college, WWII broke out and he proudly left to serve his Country in the United States Navy. He served from May, 1943 to December, 1945. During leave, he married the love of his life, Betty Lou Burns, who he met in San Diego while stationed there. The couple were married August 23, 1945, at San Diego. That same day, Tom departed with his Navy Squadron and Betty returned to Nebraska. Following his discharge, he returned to Nebraska and moved with Betty to Omaha. They then moved to Kansas City where Tom continued his education. Tom and Betty lived in Wahoo, Nebraska, Phillipsburg, Kansas, and Sargent, Nebraska and in 1962, they moved to Gothenburg where they lived until moving to Lexington in 2006. Mr. Kenton spent his entire career in the cooperative system. Tom started working for Consumers Cooperative Association in Kansas City in 1949. From there, Tom was employed in four local cooperatives in the Midwest before being named as General Manager of the Farmland Service Co-op Inc. in Gothenburg in 1962. Tom was recognized for his management ability by receiving the Dryer Award for Excellence in Management from Farmland Industries and the Omaha Bank for Cooperatives’ Cultivate a Manager Award. Eleven of his former staff members were employed as managers of local cooperatives. Always active in the communities where he lived; Tom was a member of the VFW, American Legion, and various other community organizations. Tom will always be remembered as a gentleman who cared very much for his loving family. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be so very missed. Survivors include one daughter: Kay (Bob) Brass of Lexington, Nebraska Two sons: Tom (Karla) Kenton of Holdrege, Nebraska Chuck (Tammy) Kenton of Lexington, Nebraska Seven grandchildren: Matt (Stacy) Brass of Lincoln, Nebraska; Anthony (Lisa Shaneman)Brass of Lexington, Nebraska; Jeff (Carol) Kenton of Edgar, Nebraska; Katie Kenton of Denver, Colorado; Joe Kenton of Holdrege, Nebraska; Kody & Kolin Kenton of Lexington, Nebraska. Five great-grandchildren: Alexis Johnson, Kenton Brass, Aiden Brass, Tyson Kenton and Dylan Kenton. One sister: Minerva Elliott of Salisbury, Missouri One sister-in-law: Nancy Kenton of Chicago, Illinois One brother-in-law: Harlow Burns of Omaha, Nebraska Tom was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty Lou in 2006; brother, Joe Kenton; and infant daughter, Kimberly Sue in 1960. The family will honor Tom’s wishes that his body be cremated following his funeral service. Funeral Services will be held Monday, July 21, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at First Christian Church in Lexington with Reverend Larry Viter officiating. Military Honors will be conducted at the church following the ceremony. Visitation will be held Sunday, July 20, 2008, from 2-5 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the Tri-County Hospital Hospice or the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Sargent, Nebraska. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences or reflections may be directed to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.