On Monday, August 9, 2021, Kenneth Cecil Hembree, 86, of Bethany, Oklahoma, took his final breath here on earth and his next in the glorious presence of his precious Lord and Savior.Kenneth was born June 17, 1935, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Jess Enos and Cleo Almeda (Merrill) Hembree, the fourth of six children. Kenneth proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and loved to share stories of his time in the service, especially with fellow military, though anyone who knew him knew that he loved to talk and share stories with whomever would listen, especially if there was coffee involved.Kenneth came to know the Lord as his personal Lord and Savior on May 29, 1957, and began attending Jernigan Memorial Church of the Nazarene, where he faithfully attended and served for the next 64 years. It was there that he met the love of his life, Joanne Arlene (Fenno), and they were married exactly one year later on May 29, 1958. They were blessed with 7 children (1 went to Heaven in infancy), 31 grandchildren, and a constantly growing number of great grandchildren - 20 at present.Their home was always open and many have been blessed by their generosity, love, and care. They always had a house full - of family, friends, or someone needing a place to stay. There are many besides their own who call him dad and grandpa and are considered part of their extended family. God and family were the most important things in his life, and it showed in the way that he lived and the legacy that he left: a legacy of faith, love, family, and giving.Kenneth was a faithful, active member of his church. His children remember that vacations, even long drives to North Dakota to see their grandparents, were taken between Sundays, so that they didnt miss church. Kenneth served on the church board, in Sunday school and bus ministries, as an usher, and wherever else he was needed. He also served on other ministry boards and volunteered in various capacities, including helping with building projects and driving for and sponsoring youth mission trips. He continued to pick people up and take them home from church until just a short time ago when he could no longer drive.Kenneth worked hard at whatever he saw needed to be done, and he believed in a job well done. He was happiest when he was busy, whether that was raking leaves or cleaning out flowerbeds or peeling potatoes for his sweetheart.Kenneth graduated from Bethany Nazarene College (now Southern Nazarene University) in 1961. He worked for the Oklahoma Tax Commission for 8 years and then several other jobs before starting his own business, Kens Tree Service, in 1983, which he ran for over 20 years. He put many to work who needed employment. He continued to work even after he had retired just so that he could help others.He enjoyed working in his garden and flowerbeds. During holidays or times when the family was gathered together, and much more often as life slowed down in his later years, he could be found at the table playing games with whomever would join him - most often, his grandkids.Some who didnt know him well may have seen a gruff exterior. But, those who knew him best knew that he had a loving, tender heart of gold underneath. As one of his grandchildren put it, "He could be out running a crew of guys, but then stop on his way into the house to pick the prettiest rose to give to grandma." He could also shed tears over a sad story or he could tenderly rock a grandbaby while singing a lullaby.We can picture him now, sitting at the feet of Jesus, rocking those babies who went on before him, waiting to welcome the rest of us Home.Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Jess & Cleo Hembree; his sister, Navena Troxel; his brothers, Jess Hembree Jr, Robert Hembree; his infant son, Stephen Joseph Hembree; his son-in-law, James Monty Stewart; his infant great granddaughter, Journey Ann Bacon; and several other babies that we didnt get to meet.He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Joanne Hembree; his children, Elizabeth (Kevin) Hughes, Barbara (Dennis) Helton, Kenneth David (Elizabeth) Hembree, Sharon (Nathan) Witter, Janelle (Jim) Hendren, Laura (Mark) Bacon; his sister, Thelma (Claude) Jackson; his brother, James Donald (Sherry) Hembree; 31 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; many other relatives; and many who are like family.The viewing will be Sunday, August 15, 2021, from 11:00am - 8:00pm, with the family present from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service in Bethany, Oklahoma.A celebration of Kenneths life will be held at 11:00am on Monday, August 16, 2021, at Jernigan Memorial Church of the Nazarene at 3200 N Hammond in Bethany, Oklahoma, with burial following in Bethany Cemetery.Memorial donations may be sent to Kenneth's church - Jernigan Memorial Church of the Nazarene, 3200 N Hammond, Bethany, OK 73008. Memorial donations will be sent to a special missions offering that was important to Kenneth. . Visitation with Family Present Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Sunday, August 15, 2021 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 3925 North Asbury Avenue Bethany, Oklahoma 73008 Viewing is Sunday 11am-8pm with family present from 6-8pm. Funeral Service Jernigan Memorial Church of the Nazarene Monday, August 16, 2021 11:00 AM 3200 N. Hammond Bethany, OK 73008