Kenneth Leroy Webster was born September 3rd, 1934 in Blackwell, Oklahoma, to Ralph and Grace Webster. At a young age he moved with his family to Elbing, Kansas where he lived through 3rd grade. After the family moved back to Grant County, Oklahoma, he attended Lamont schools and was involved in the Deer Creek United Methodist Church.

After graduating with honors from Lamont High School, Kenneth attended Oklahoma A&M College as a Vocational Agriculture student and an ROTC cadet. He was an active member of the campus ministry, Wesley Foundation, where he served a term as President. After graduation, he completed a master's degree in Agronomy from Oklahoma State University and received a commission as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

While still completing his higher education, he married the love of his life, Nancy Beth Smart, from Deer Creek, OK. Together they celebrated 70 years of marriage and have four children; Kirsten, Beth, Celia, and Ken. They also have had eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Kenneth and Nancy's love for one another was evident. Even at the very last hours of his life he sang "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" with Nancy one last time as they had many years prior when they were just dating in their youth. Kenneth's sacrificial devotion to his family was exemplary. There are countless examples of his devotion to his family and his deep commitment to generously helping each member live fulfilling lives, pursue their calling, and experience happiness.

Upon graduation from Oklahoma State, the young Webster family moved to Columbus, GA while Kenneth served in the Army. Following an honorable discharge, he taught vocational agriculture in Boise City, OK. After two years of teaching, he then began working for the Ralston Purina Company as a salesman. He worked for the Ralston Purina Company for more than 30 years during which he earned their national top sales award in multiple years. Over the course of his career, his work required his family to relocate to Pratt, KS; Dodge City, KS; St. Louis, MO; Liberal, KS; and Garden City, KS. Kenneth and Nancy also founded and ran AgJobs USA for over a decade. Upon retirement, they moved to the Oklahoma City area where they enjoyed meaningful times with many friends and family.

In 2022, Kenneth and Nancy joined the wonderful Southern Plaza Independent Living community in Bethany, OK. He enjoyed the comfort of living his final years there with the other residents and staff whom he treasured. In the last four years he could often be found singing and whistling, at both scheduled times and impromptu.

Wherever Kenneth and Nancy lived in the country, being involved in their local church was a top priority for them. He served as a church youth group leader, Sunday School teacher, and as the baritone in the congregation everyone hoped would be within earshot when the hymns began. At home, Kenneth led his family in morning devotions after breakfast and prayer before every meal. He cared deeply that the hope and comfort that he experienced from his faith in Jesus Christ be passed on to others, especially the next generation.

His passion for future generations showed up in his love for children. Even in his last hours, the sight of a great grandbaby would put a big smile on his face, just as it would have at any other time in healthier days. All ages appreciated Kenneth's big smile, warm greetings, infectious laughter, hospitality, optimism, grateful heart, and playful spirit too.

Kenneth also appreciated his heritage and all those who had gone before him. Grant County, Oklahoma history was always of great interest to him, all the way up through his last days. He was proud to be the grandson of homesteaders and a son of parents who lived through the Great Depression. He admired his ancestors who had lived in sod houses, developed productive cropland, invested in their hometowns, built churches, and established businesses for the communities in which he grew up. He took great pains to preserve the legacy of those people who had gone before him, his ancestors, and their stories.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Hayward Webster and Grace Elizabeth Webster; as well as brothers, James Webster and Keith Webster.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Nancy (Smart) Webster; his children, Kirsten Edwards (Jay), Elizabeth Webster, Celia Palmer (Daniel), and Kenneth "Ken" A. Webster (Jennifer "Jen"); as well as his brother, Glenn Webster. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jason Edwards (his wife, Andrea; their children, Elijah, Ezra, Elissa, and Faith), Aaron Edwards (his wife, Lorena; their children, Noah, Julia, and Benjamin), Cristiana (Edwards) Verissimo (her husband, Joseph; their son, Caleb), D. Kyle Palmer, Kevin Palmer (his wife, Maya; their daughter, Elliott), Theodore "Teddy" Webster, Magdalene "Maggie" Webster, & Lucy Webster.

Viewing will be Saturday, 8:00am to 5:00pm with family present from 10:30-11:30am at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service in Bethany, OK.

Memorial Services will be held Sunday, June 14, 3:00pm at Southern Plaza Independent Living Event Center, 3737 N. College Ave., Bethany, OK 73008, with a reception to follow. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed on this obituary page.

Interment will be Monday, June 15 in Bayard Cemetery 25529 County Rd. 1070, Deer Creek, OK 74636. Procession to leave Mercer-Adams Funeral Service at 8:00am with anticipated gravesite arrival at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to consider one of the memorial gift options listed below:

Kenneth's family invites friends and loved ones to honor his memory through a gift to Tulakes Neighborhood Ministry, where his daughter, Celia Palmer, serves in leadership. Tulakes shares Christ's love by serving and investing in its community. In recognition of Kenneth's life and legacy, gifts made through the designated fund will receive a 20% match from the Butterfield Foundation Giving Page . Please use the giving link to participate. Together, these gifts will help continue the work of hope and transformation that meant so much to Kenneth and his family.

Kenneth's love of Grant County and preservation of historical sites can be honored by making a contribution to:

Bayard Cemetery Fund

℅ Greg Hohmann

108545 Haskell Road

Deer Creek, OK 74636