Ken Kimble

W. Kenneth Kimble, 81, a longtime Warden resident went home to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, July 9. Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 12.

Ken was born to Merrill and Iva Kimble (Hull) in Pullman July 15, 1924. His family moved to Viola, Idaho when Ken was 5 years old and he lived there until he graduated from high school in nearby Moscow, Idaho. Ken's responsibility as provider began at 16 years of age when his father passed away. He assumed responsibility for his mother and helped raise his three younger brothers.

Ken married the love of his life, Anita Brooks, on August 4, 1945. He supported his new bride by working construction and farming in the Colfax area and then moved to Warden in March of 1954 where he and Anita raised their family. Kenneth was one of the pioneer farmers under the newly developed East Columbia Basin Irrigation Project. He enjoyed farming, but he was a cattleman at heart. He often talked of good times he had attending the cattle sales and of the ranching business he loved. Ken continued on his farm until just two years ago.

Always a family man, Ken loved fishing and camping trips and attending 4-H and sporting events with his children and grandchildren. Caring for his wife Anita and his grandchildren were the light of his life in later years. He was a shining example to all who knew him and will be remembered for his kind, generous ways and honesty, his hallmark. Ken was indeed a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be missed more than words can express.

Aside from his parents and stepfather, Kenneth was preceded in death by his two infant sisters, a brother and sister-in-law, Lowell and Mabel Kimble; two infant granddaughters and one infant grandson.

Kenneth is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Anita; his daughters: Gayle and her husband Dan Sullivan of Warden; Lynne Kimble and her companion Tom Lewis of West Richland; his son, Steven and his wife Linda Kimble of Warden; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob and Carol Kimble of Moscow, Idaho; Jim and Kathy Kimble of Warden. Ken is also survived by nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.