Kenneth Reynolds Israel's Obituary
Chaplain (Colonel, USAF Retired) Kenneth Reynolds Israel, 31 July 1922 – 29 November 2010
Kenneth Israel was born on 31 July 1922 and died peacefully in his sleep at the Silverado Senior Facility, Costa Mesa, California on 29 November 2010. Kenneth suffered a stroke in December 1999 and eventually was diagnosed with Dementia which he courageously fought until his final days. Throughout his long illness, the family took great comfort in remembering his generous Christian Spirit, surrounding him constantly with love, care and fellowship. The family is grateful to the staff and therapists at Silverado who provided special care during his last days.
Colonel Israel’s 30 year Air Force career (1952-1982) was marked by distinguished service and meritorious achievement. Kenneth was lead Chaplain at Clark Air Base, Philippines in the early ‘70s and along with Admiral McCain, welcomed our returning POWs from North Viet Nam helping them to reestablish family ties and to repair fractured lives. Kenneth’s pastoral/chaplaincy work was always devoted to spiritually strengthening our troops and their families. During his well recognized Air Force career, Kenneth was responsible for the construction of the base chapels at March Air Force Base, CA and Bien Hoa Air Base, Viet Nam. He later served as the Military Airlift Command Chaplain at Scott Air Force Base, IL.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife, Esther Irene who passed away on 14 February of this same year. They were married for over 68 years. She was a constant companion in his life’s work of ministry and raising the family. After Kenneth’s retirement in 1982, they enjoyed extensive travel, visiting family and friends. Kenneth was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Highland, CA, where he served and worshipped for over 30 years.
Kenneth was also preceded in death by his 4 older brothers: Louis, Frank, Bob and Forrest and his younger sister Virginia. Kenneth’s father, Orville R. Israel, passed away in 1966 and his mother, Bertha (Reynolds), passed away in 1981. Kenneth was born on the family farm in Ridgeway, Missouri. During Kenneth’s youth, he enjoyed working on the farm, excelling in sports and coaching/teaching in local, rural schools.
Kenneth is survived by his five children: James Lee and wife Brenda, Kenneth Ray and wife Annetta, Linda Kay and husband Ron, Cynthia Irene and husband Steve and Donald Bruce and wife Shelly; 11 grandchildren, Kim, Karen, Kenny, Tiffany, Jason, Kristina, Ben, Ryan, Kendra, Jamie and John, and nine great-grandchildren, Henley, Jack, Hudson, Madelyn, Craig, Kyra, Tyler, Kaylee and Luke.
Funeral services at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 2, 2010 at Immanuel Baptist Church 28355 E. Baseline Highland, CA. 92346. Following services Kenneth will be interred with full military honors beside his wife, Esther Irene, at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA, Staging area # 6.
On line condolences may be left to www. bobbittchapel.com
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