William "Kendall" Bales Sr. was born April 11, 1929 in Bethany, OK to William Guy and Edith Mae Bales. He entered his eternal rest on March 17, 2022. As a child, Kendall was very creative and mechanically minded. He would use old wood pieces, nuts, bolts and design inventions of all kinds. He created a wooden airplane and convinced his younger brother to test fly it off the roof of their home. Guardian angels must have saved his brother. Later in his life, Kendall designed several mechanical devices in the farming industry. When Kendall was a freshman in high school, his family relocated to Walters OK. Kendall graduated from Walters High School in 1948. He attended Cameron College in Lawton, OK and supported himself by working at the college dairy and farm. He and his lifelong friend, Dan Gene Bigby, not only fed the chickens at Cameron, but learned to judge them. Along with another close friend from Walters, Fred Harris (former U.S. Senator), they formed a team to judge chickens at local county fairs as well as state fairs. This team won the chicken judging championship. Also, Kendall and Dan Gene began competitive boxing for Cameron College. Kendall was humble but secretly proud of his State Lightweight Golden Glove Title. Kendall was drafted into the Korean War in 1950 and had to set aside his college goals, but also met the love of his life, Vernece Hickey. They met at Kendalls parents home in Bethany. Vernece worked with Kendalls sister, Norma Lee Bales at the Five and Dime store. Norma Lee had invited Vernece to dinner and while Kendall kept his gaze at his plate, he must have noticed the gorgeous brunette. It took him a while, but finally called Vernece for a date to the donkey basketball game at the high school. They were married 3 months later on December 4, 1950. Kendall and Vernece had a son, Bill Bales Jr., while Kendall was stationed at Ft Hood near Killean, Texas. He took emergency leave and hitchhiked back to Bethany OK to meet his first-born child. Kendall was never afraid of hard work. After returning from Germany, having served in the heavy artillery division of the army, he worked several odd jobs to support his growing family. While taking classes at OCU to attain a certification in mechanical drafting, he would pace the small garage apartment with his second child, DeNiece, on his shoulder while studying for his exams. His third child, June, came along 4 years later when Kendall was settling into some drafting positions at places like B. S. & B. He later worked for Fife Manufacturing, Frigiquip, and Smalling. His last employment was at Integris Hospital as a Boiler Operator, where he eventually retired. As time would allow in Kendalls life, he loved to golf and fly airplanes. He received his private pilots license and enjoyed traveling in small Cessna planes. His greatest joy was hunting. He was so passionate about it, he would rise earlier than most people thought was sane, and walk for miles to find the perfect spot. He was accused by many as having made this pastime a "job". That was how Kendall rolled in his life; work hard, play hard. Kendall had several dogs throughout his life, and loved them dearly. He was known to spoil them all. During his last 2 weeks of life, he asked several times about the dog belonging to his grandson Brandon. Its name is Frank, and Kendall would dog sit Frank for many years, much to the delight of both dog and man. Kendalls most cherished role, along with Vernece, was supporting the team sports and individual sports of their 6 grandchildren. Kendall was beloved by the soccer players because he never failed to bring cold water and misting sprayers for hot summer games. Many parents of the appreciative players would say Kendall and Vernece won the "grandparent" award. Together they spent many hours loving and supporting each grandchild. Then, they began supporting the great- grandchildren until it became physically impossible. Family always meant everything to these two lovebirds that were married for 71 years. Kendall was preceded in death by his parents, William Guy and Edith Mae Bales; sisters, Berniece Mae Bales and Norma Lee Bales Martin; daughter-in-law, (wife of Bill Bales), Pam Bales. He is survived by his son, William K. Bales Jr., daughters DeNiece Donalson and husband Randy, June Smith and husband Donnie; 6 grandchildren Wade Smith and wife Kristina, Kassie Zerkle and husband Justin, Brandon Bales and wife Alicia, Logan Bayles and husband Todd, B.J. Donalson and wife Lauren and Shane Donalson; 13 great-grandchildren; sister Verla Richert, brothers Les Bales and Jim Bales and wife Jane. . Funeral Service Mercer-Adams Chapel Thursday, March 24, 2022 3:00 PM 3925 N. Asbury Bethany, OK 73008 Viewing 1 hour prior to service from 2-3pm at Mercer-Adams