Former San Luis Valley resident, Kenneth Ray VanGieson, 79, passed away November 3, 2016, at his home in Carter, OK surrounded by his family. He was born July 12, 1937 in Harper, Kansas to Francis Elwood, Sr., and Mary Irene (Arndt) Van Gieson.

Kenny was a graduate of Blanca School. He was a farmer and worked various construction jobs over the years. He enjoyed spending time with his family making wonderful memories, from 4-H activities to making snow cones and cotton candy. He especially loved the babies. Kenny was a member of the Army Reserve National Guard and was honorably discharged following an eye injury.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Willa June (Prator) VanGieson of Carter, OK; his children, June Araye (Monte) Hardaway, Norwich, KS, Kyle Lane (Jodi) VanGieson, Carter, OK, Jackie Lynn (Wayne) Williams, Gardner, CO, Joyce Ann (Gerald) Faucette, Sanford, CO, and Kendall Crane VanGieson, Carter, OK; brother F.E. (Kay) VanGieson, Jr., Alamosa, CO; brother-in-law Butch (Jacque) Prator, San Acacio, CO, sister-in-law Lorraine (Carl) Drum, Carter, OK. His grandchildren & great-grandchildren: Jennifer & Travis (JJ & Cambree) Rinebarger, Buena Vista, CO; Cody Kreutzer, Norwich, KS; Colton & Lindsay (Conner) Hardaway, Milton, Kansas; Kandice (Zander & Brylee), Kresta & Kade VanGieson, Carter, OK; Koy Williams, Gardner, CO; Wyatt Williams, Boone, CO; Kortney & Douglas (Lexington) Jarvies, Manassa, CO; Dustin & Derick Faucette, Sanford, CO, many nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends.

Kenneth was preceded in death by parents, Elwood and Irene VanGieson; son, Kenneth Wayne; sister, Shirley Irene Mock; and brother, John Merle VanGieson.

Services will be held at 1:00p.m., Saturday, November 12, 2016 at the United for Christ Church in Blanca Colorado. Interment will be at the Blanca Cemetery following services. A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00p.m. on Friday, November 11th at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa, Colorado. Memorials may be made to the Faith Care Hospice and may be made in care of Rogers Family Mortuary.

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