Kenneth Ray Ethridge
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Kenneth Ray Ethridge March 29, 1939 - September 4, 2022 Born to Thomas Floyd Ethridge and Lilly May James Ethridge in Garza County.
He graduated Wilson High School and enjoyed playing on the football team. A member of the Assembly of God Church, Tahoka, TX, it was there his over 70 year friendship began with Edgar Hammonds, Jr, Mary Evelyn Hammonds' older brother. Mary Evelyn soon noticed Kenneth was the only friend of her brother that did not treat her like his kid sister. Kenneth was a gentleman to her even at the young age of 11, and nine years later they marry, June 20th, 1959. Their family grew the next year as Cinda Rene' Ethridge (Payton) was born, twins came two years later, Marcella Jan Ethridge (Tyler) and Regina Ann Ethridge (Osborne), a baby brother seven years later, Kenton Royal Ethridge. Kenneth joined the Lubbock Fire Department (1965), retiring (1990) as Captain at Station #11. Moving to Austin for Kenneth to work for the State Fire Commission. His motivation to work at the state level was spurred by losing three firefighters who perished in the 1979 Underwood's Barbeque restaurant fire due to faulty safety gear. Kenneth was appointed to the National Fire Protection Association Committee focusing on legislative changes requiring departments of paid firefighters to be equipped with Nationally approved gear. Kenneth proudly retired (2002) having helped change legislation and they moved to Post, TX to be nearer friends and family.
Kenneth is survived by his 'Luv' of sixty-three years, Mary Evelyn Ethridge, the twins and their spouses, Phil Tyler and Tom Osborne, son Ken and wife Wanda, with many grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, brother and oldest daughter, Cinda Rene' Payton.
Family will receive visitors Thursday September 8th 6pm to 7pm, Hudman Funeral Home in Post, TX Services Friday September 9th 1pm, Peaceful Gardens Memorial Park.