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In loving memory

Visitation:

Monday, April 25, 2022 at 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Mullican Little Funeral Home 754 State Hwy 56 E. Bells, Texas 75414.

Funeral service:

Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Mullican Little Funeral Home.

Interment:

Rose Hill Cemetery in Bells.

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11 comments

Kenneth Raymond Durham

Kenneth Raymond Durham

June 13, 1941 - April 21, 2022

Kenneth Raymond Durham passed away peacefully on April 21, 2022 in Sherman, Texas at the age of 80. He was born June 13, 1941 to Raymond L. Durham and Mary Frances Pike in Bells, Texas.

Kenneth married Carol Ann Haddock on June 28, 1963; they were married for 58 years at the time of his death. He worked at Kaiser Aluminum in Sherman for over 40 years as a die repairman.  At an early age he became fascinated with the art of trick roping and horsemanship, making these his lifelong pursuits and passions.  He enjoyed entertaining others and became a popular act at rodeos and other western-themed events through the Texas-Oklahoma area beginning in the 1970s.  He became a regular performer at the Mesquite Championship Rodeo and at the Fort Worth Stockyards.  He continued to improve his talents and passed them on to his youngest son, Kent.  Together, they performed at the Texas Governor’s Mansion, at the last performance of the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show in Oregon and he was featured in a nationally-aired Coca Cola commercial and on the country music video “God Blessed Texas” by Little Texas.   He and Kent also performed at Texas Stadium and at the Superbowl XLV pre-game show.  He received the Montie Montana Showmanship Award at the National Cowboy Symposium in 2008 and the Trick Roper of the Year Award from the Wild West Arts Club in 2006.  He was especially known among the western arts community for perfecting the art of “horse catching” and placed first in Advanced Horse Catching in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Mary Frances Durham.

He is survived by his wife Carol Ann; sons, Kendall Ryan Durham and William Kent Durham and wife Graciela Galindo; grandchildren, Korey Ethan  Durham, Kyler Edmond Durham, Alexandra Elaine Candelaria, and William “Chandler” Durham; great grandchildren, Kassidy Kay Durham and Shepherd Ryan Durham; sister, Carol Sue Waldrip and husband Johnny.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 25, 2022 at 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Mullican Little Funeral Home 754 State Hwy 56 E. Bells, Texas 75414. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Mullican Little Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Bells.

11 Guestbook

  1. Joan Wells
    Joan Wells on April 22, 2022 at 5:17 PM

    Extending my condolences to the family. Kenneth was a natural horseman and accomplished trick roper. I enjoyed going to Bells and working with his son Kent on trick roping. I liked Ken’s smile, his wit and control of his rope spinning. We would meet up at trick roping expositions and compete. He and I studied with Jim Eskew, Jr., a master trick roper. This style and perfection is seen in his performances.
    We will miss him and hope his skills and abilities will carry on with son Kent.

    Joan Wells, trick roper Lincoln, NE

    Reply
    • Ronnie Vansickle
      Ronnie Vansickle on April 23, 2022 at 6:07 AM

      Sorry to hear of Kenneth passing.

      Reply
  2. David &Tammy Snow
    David &Tammy Snow on April 22, 2022 at 9:35 PM

    So sorry for your loss, prayers for you all!

    Reply
  3. Sonja(Jernigan) Fletcher
    Sonja(Jernigan) Fletcher on April 22, 2022 at 11:26 PM

    Ken, you were a great addition to the Class of 1959!
    I remember your smile and sense of humor. You will be missed by so many but will see so many of our classmates gone before. Condolences to your family.

    Reply
  4. Dennis Akin
    Dennis Akin on April 23, 2022 at 11:54 AM

    OFFERING MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. FEIND FROM KISER>

    Reply
  5. Raylene Gray
    Raylene Gray on April 23, 2022 at 2:37 PM

    Carol and Family, So sorry for your loss. He will be missed by all of his friends and family.

    Reply
  6. Bill & LaWanda Duckworth
    Bill & LaWanda Duckworth on April 24, 2022 at 8:43 AM

    Carol Ann, we are so sorry for your loss. Keeping you & your family in our prayers.

    Reply
  7. Randy Carter
    Randy Carter on April 25, 2022 at 8:24 AM

    Carol, Kendall and Kent, I’m sorry to hear Kenneth passed and my condolences to each of you and the grandkids! God bless each of you!

    Reply
  8. CAROLYN M Dexheimer
    CAROLYN M Dexheimer on April 25, 2022 at 11:34 AM

    Kenneth was a very special man, kind , and always had a smile. His ability with animal was amazing. It is said, “an animal knows the character of a man.” When he first started roping his horse would not stand still. He ask if he could use my horse. He did and my horse responded to his every command. It was amazing to watch. Then later I ask him to volunteer for a fund raiser for our DAR, and he did so without a second thought. A man like this leaves a very big void in the hearts of his family, friends, and community. It was an honor to be called his friend. cdex

    Reply
  9. Ken and Glenda Owen
    Ken and Glenda Owen on April 25, 2022 at 7:37 PM

    Carol Ann and family , so sorry for your loss. Kenneth was a wonderful man and he will be missed by all who knew him. Prayers for you and your family.

    Reply
  10. Dolores (Isom) Pell. Twylia, Kenny and family
    Dolores (Isom) Pell. Twylia, Kenny and family on April 25, 2022 at 9:39 PM

    So sorry to hear of Kenneth’s passing. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by so many. May GOD bless and comfort your family and give you peace ❤️

    Reply

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