Joseph Herman Kennerson - known to many as Kenny, Kenny Boo, Joe, Cool, Clean, Mr. Clean and Herman.

In the afternoon of April 5th, 2018, Joe went to be with his family and closest friends.

Joseph was born to Freddie and Amelia Kennerson on June 3, 1939 in Lake Charles, La. He was the youngest of six. He attended schools in Lake Charles before relocating in the late ‘50s to Eureka.

In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count.
It’s the life in your years.

— By Abraham Lincoln

Joe is predeceased by his parents, Freddie and Amelia Kennerson; his siblings Eva Milford of Los Angeles, Clara Shelton of Texas, MaryAnn Skillman of  Eureka, Cleveland Kennerson of Los Angeles, Clifton Kennerson of Los Angeles, his niece Tina Wells of Eureka, his nephew Thomas Milford of Eureka. 

Many will remember Joe when he worked at Sears. When Joe retired from Sears he took on his lot in life, taking care of everyone from friends to strangers.

He met his true love, Betty Jean Buckalew, in the early ‘60s and became the best dad ever to Melva, Mike and Ronny. He dedicated his last ten years taking care of Betty. Joe helped lots of people. A well-known person in the community. A lifelong friend. He enjoyed cooking on the holidays and our house was always full with relatives and friends. Joe made sure everyone was well taken care of.

Joe touched so many that he will be missed tremendously. He loved life and he loved family.

Joe leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Betty Jean Buckalew; his daughter, Melva Paris, and her husband Dan; his sons Mike Cain and Ron Cain; his nephews Sam Skillman and LJ Skillman and his wife Debbie; nieces Mary Purify-Skillman, Pam Skillman and Debra Skillman, Shelly Milford; brother-in-law Steve Quenell and his wife, Karen; sister-in-law Judy Seat and her husband Will; his grandkids Ronald, Miles and Chad, his furever grandkids Kona and Tahoe, numerous nieces, nephews, great-grandkids; his best friends Terry Young and Kurt Mr.”T” Prudhome.

His favorite song was “What a wonderful world” by Louis Armstrong, and he lived his life in this wonderful world and we were lucky to be part of his life. He had a smile that lit up the room and a laugh that was contagious.

We will be having a “Celebration of Life” on Sunday, June 3rd, 2018 at 1 p.m. at 1512 D Street, Eureka. Please bring lots of laughter and your best memories.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Joe Kennerson’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.