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BORN
1935
DIED
2020
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Kenneth Renfro Obituary
1935 ~ 2020
Kenneth "Kenny" Wilbur Renfro, age 84, of Horseshoe Bend, Idaho passed away at home on April 2nd 2020 surrounded by family. Kenny was born on October 11, 1935 in Nampa, Idaho to Millard (Shorty) & Mildred Renfro. He spent a great deal of his childhood at the Star Ranch in Placerville in which, the Ranft's, Mildred's family owned. Kenny attended school at Boise High & started working for his Dad's logging business, M.W. Renfro & Sons, at a very young age.
He married the love of his life, Joyce Stephenson, on November 6th 1954. Together they had 6 children; Cynthia, Marilyn (Sandy), Bobbi Jo, Mike (Vickie), Todd (Wendy) & Ryan (April). They built their home in Horseshoe Bend where they raised their family & he eventually purchased Clarkson's Ranch off Harris Creek. He often said it was a place for his family to live & enjoy and referred to it as "Paradise".
Kenny enjoyed racing at Meridian Speedway from approximately 1964 -1969 where he raced his cars that were appropriately named 'Logger Special' & 'Logger Deluxe'. Another one of his passions was shooting trap. Anyone that was around Kenny at the trap club can still remember him lecturing them to "keep your head down", "don't peek" & "follow through". He passed these hobbies down to his children and they all enjoyed years of racing and shooting together. However, his biggest love of all was for Logging. Not only did he get to spend time in the woods on his Link-Belt & D-5/527 CATs, but he was also surrounded by loved ones while continuing the family business that "Shorty" had started so many years ago. People that knew Kenny know that he was good at everything he tried, the most selfless man & hands down the hardest working person they have ever met.
The family would like to say a special 'thank you' to all caregivers that cared for Dad & Grandpa Kenny during his last few years. Your services & companionship allowed him to stay at his home as he wanted.
Kenny is preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters and 2 daughters. He is survived by his wife, 2 siblings & their families, 4 children & their spouses, 13 grandchildren and his great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life to be determined. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to Caryn Renfro's recovery.
Memories and condolences by be shared with Kenny's family on his memorial webpage at www.summersfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Renfro
Sponsored by The Idaho Statesman.
David Decker
April 14, 2020
As a kid I lived next to the old market north of the cemetery on the Emmett Bench. Nightly as we had dinner, we were treated to the sounds of Jake Brakes being activated just north of our home by the drivers taking logs to the Emmett Mill. I got pretty good at identifying the trucks by the sound. I always seemed to be especially attuned to the Kenny Renfro "sound". I would drive my parents crazy by announcing, "That's Kenny Renfro". Although I never met him I felt as though I knew him from those Jake Brakes. I hope he is rattling the heavens at this time. My condolences to the family. He gave me many great memories.
Robyn Waddoups
April 10, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
April 9, 2020
Blessings to the family of my good friend Kenny. He was an excellent logger and the memories will last forever. - Richard Dick
Ann Beckman Dorsey
April 9, 2020
So sorry of your loss. My best to the family.
April 9, 2020
God bless the family, My grandparents are frank and Edith Shelley. So I send my condolences on behave of my family.
Graciela Quijas
April 9, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Gayle Fry
April 8, 2020
It was a pleasure to know Kenny. He was one of my favorite people.
Roger Williams
April 8, 2020
God bless the family, may there be peace and comfort in your time of sorrow
April 8, 2020
To shake this man's hand, was a special time in my life. In his racing years at Meridian, it brought joy to watch his expertise as a driver. I then had the privilege to haul logs for Kenny, for a short time. I've always felt that I should have paid him instead of him paying me. He was just that cool to be around. He was well known as one of the best "hoisters", Link-Belt operators, in the country. As others have said, Kenny done many things, all of them Well. God's speed my friend, you will be missed. "Dinger" Dan Gray
Gary Hyland
April 7, 2020
It is an honor to have known Kenny. He was stern but flexible, tough but caring. He made you stand and be accountable. I admire this. God Speed. See you on the other side my friend.
Julie Eldred
April 7, 2020
God bless all family & friends and god bless you Joyce! My deepest condolences and prayers for all ! Kenny was a very hard working man and I know that he loved his wife and family so much. I cant say I have met any man so dedicated to his family. I know he will be missed by all the towns people! Prayers & blessings!
Shannon Hicks
April 7, 2020
Keeping the family in thoughts and prayers.
RV and Shannon Hamley Family
April 7, 2020
Sending our condolences to all the family.
Shorty Renfro
Deb Marks
April 7, 2020
Thank you for sharing him with us. Great example to live by. Glad to know him. Love & God's Peace.
Pam Catt
April 7, 2020
Oh what a homecoming you must have experienced!! And what a celebration and surprise to meet those who had gone on before...among many, your precious baby girls! Until we meet again, your sister-in-law, Pam (Mansfield) Catt.
Larry & Edith Hawley
April 7, 2020
Our sincere condolences to Joyce and the entire Renfro family. Kenny was a man of his word and cared for his family and everyone that had the oppertunity to know and work with him. Many good memories and special thoughts will remain with us. We were blessed to have known him.
MAXINE NEWELL
April 7, 2020
TO THE FAMILY OF KENNY RENFRO SO SORRY FOR YOU LOSS KENNY WAS A HARD WORKING MAN HE LOVE IS SHOP MY KID LIVE DOWN AT THE SHOP AND HELP HIM THEY ALL LOVE KENNY THEY WERE SADDED TO HERE OF IS PASSING. HE WILL BE MISS.. R.I.P. KENNY LOVE MAXINE AND TOM
Cindy Clever
April 7, 2020
Kenny had a great smile and was one of the nicest drivers at the Meridian Speedway. Remembering the fun times and keeping memories close will help during this difficult time. Kenny touched many hearts on his journey through life.
April 4, 2020
I am sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences.May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow and may the the God of all comfort sustain your family during the days ahead. Psalms 119:67
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