1920
2016
William Kenneth (Ken) Kerfoot, born on the 11th of May 1920, passed away on Saturday May 21, 2016 in Dallas, TX. Graveside services will be held at 11:00a.m. on Thursday May 26, 2016 in Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, TX. Ken was born near Wiley, CO, the second of three sons born to William Ernest and Flora Ethel (Goff) Kerfoot. He graduated Valedictorian from Eads, Colorado High School, class of 1938. He attended Northern Colorado University on an academic and football scholarship. Ken joined the Colorado National Guard October 3, 1938. On September 20, 1940 he was mobilized with Company B. 157th infantry, 45th infantry division with the rank of Sergeant. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant in 1941. While at Camp Barkley, Texas, Ken married Josephine Craig Bentley (Joka). In WWII, he participated in the invasion of Sicily and the Salerno and Anzio invasions in Italy. He was commanding Company H, 157th infantry when captured by the Germans on Feb. 23, 1944 during the battle of the caves near Anzio. He was a prisoner of war until being liberated by the Russian Army after 15 months of captivity. He was returned to the U.S. custody on May 6, 1945. Ken returned to the USA on June 3, 1945 and was released from active duty on Dec. 16, 1945. He remained in the Army Reserve as a Lt. Col. until he retired in 1963. Ken and Joka were blessed with a daughter, Carol Craig Kerfoot; and a son, Larry Bentley Kerfoot who died in 1986 at the age of 38. Ken is survived by Carol Kerfoot Hall and her husband, Richard Hedlund Hall of Cincinnati, Ohio. Carol and Richard have two sons, Christian Bentley Hall and wife, Rebecca of Canton, GA and Craig Hedlund Hall and wife, Megan of Roswell, GA. Larry Bentley Kerfoot had a son, Bentley Nakles Kerfoot and wife, Samantha of Dallas, TX. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren. Ken was employed by Crown Central Petroleum in Abilene, TX in 1945. He served 38 years in various capacities in exploration for oil and gas in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Lagos, Nigeria. He retired in 1983 and consulted in exploration in the search for petroleum reserves. He was an active member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists for over 60 years. In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in honor of Ken Kerfoot may be directed to The American Heart Association. You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliott-hamil.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 5, 2017
Robin
Carol-I just read about your Dad. I am very sorry for your loss. Your parents were very special people. They were always very kind to me.
June 11, 2016
Carol, I cannot find your email address. Will you please call me.
May 31, 2016
Carol, I did not know about your father's passing until today, May 31. I am so sorry for your loss. I have many happy memories of your mother and father over the years. God Bless.
Gerry Cockrell
May 31, 2016
Linda Jenkins
Carol, so sorry for your loss. I remember your dad from coming into Jimmy Leslie's office every year. Jimmy certainly loved your dad and he was a very nice man.
May 25, 2016
Krystal DB
I am so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort hear your heart-broken prayers and provide you with much needed comfort during the difficult days and weeks ahead (Isaiah 42:10).
May 25, 2016
Kitty Bentley Thomas
Carol, I am sorry for your loss. I remember Joka and Kenny well. I believe the last time I saw Joka was shortly after Larry's death. Her sense of humor was amazing.
There are two cute pics of Joka and Kenny at Charlie Blanks' Club in the '40s. I could send them to you if you get in touch with me.
I regret I am unable to attend Kenny's service.
Fondly,
Kitty Bentley Thomas
May 25, 2016
Kitty Thomas
Carol, I am sorry for your loss. I remember your parents well. The last time I saw Joka was shortly after Larry's death. She had an amazing sense of humor. Joka and Kenny and Dodie and Daddy had a lot of fun together! There are two cute pics of your parents at Charlie Blanks, in the '40s. I'd love to send them to you if you'd like. My email is [email protected].
I regret I am unable to attend Ken's funeral service.
Fondly,
Kitty Bentley Thomas
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more