Kenneth "Kenny" A. Fant

Kenneth "Kenny" A. Fant, age 66, made his heavenly flight on Friday, September 15, 2023, with his loving family by his side.

He was born on March 21, 1957, in Huntington, Indiana, the son of the late Cecil and Billie Ruth Fant.

After graduating from Dierks High School in 1975, Kenny married his high school sweetheart and the true love of his life, Brenda Kizer, on July 25, 1975. Together they shared 48 years of marriage filled with love and devotion.

Throughout his professional career, Kenny worked for Weyerhaeuser Forestry for 29 years. Additionally, he dedicated 13 years of service to the State Forestry. However, Kenny's proudest work was as a minister. In 1992, he was ordained into the ministry and served as the Pastor for Pleasant Grove Freewill Baptist Church for 21 years.  Kenny's faith was an integral part of his life and he found great joy in serving his congregation. He touched countless lives through his spiritual guidance and caring nature as a pastor. His dedication to ministry leaves a lasting legacy within the community.

Kenny was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who cherished moments spent with his family, especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Kenny lived a fulfilling life dedicated to his family and community.

In addition to being a devoted family man and minister, Kenny had various interests and hobbies that brought him joy. He possessed exceptional craftsmanship skills and could often be found tinkering in his workshop making beautiful crafts.  Kenny's greatest joy was making deliveries for his special friend.

His caring nature touched the lives of many throughout his lifetime. Kenny will be deeply missed but his memory will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.  

He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Fant; two daughters and sons-in-law, Kindra and Avery Fatherree of Newhope, and Katrina and Jason Kendrick of Russellville; three grandchildren, Dylan (Sarah) Fatherree, Jaxon Fatherree, and Destini Fatherree; two great-grandchildren, Preslee Fatherree and Caroline Fatherree; two sisters, Kay and Lee L. Cook, and Kelly and Robbie Miller, all of Dierks; his mother-in-law, Edna Kizer of Dierks; his sister-in-law, Paula Hemund and her husband, Robbie, of Glenwood; his brother-in-law, Ronnie Kizer of Dierks; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and an entire community of family and friends who will forever hold Kenny's love in their hearts.

Funeral services to celebrate Kenny's life will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, September 19, 2023, in the Newhope Freewill Baptist Church with Bro. Kevin Jewell and Bro. Matthew Cook officiating.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Monday, September 18, 2023, in the Smith Family Funeral Home Chapel, Glenwood, 209 N. Third Street, Glenwood, AR 71943.

Interment will be held in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Newhope.

Pallbearers will be David Smith, Tony Davis, John Crump, Mike Ward, Robbie Miller and Larry Webb.

Honorary pallbearers will be the nurses and staff of the Howard County Memorial Hospital and the nurses and staff of Elite Home Health and Elite Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Kenny to the Sharing JED Foundation, P.O. Box 727, Mount Ida, AR 71957.

Guest registry is at www.smithfamilycares.com.