Kenneth Joe Whitney, of Bergman, Arkansas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, July 8 (2024) at the age of 81.

The son of Joe "Melvin" Whitney and Verba (Jackson) Whitney was born in Harrison on August 1, 1942. He was a lifelong resident of Boone County and graduated from Bergman High School in 1961.

Kenneth worked for Arkansas Highway Department for 28 years and retired in 2000. He enjoyed farming, deer hunting, 4-wheeler riding, and listening to Waylon Jennings. He was a talented "pool shark" and always loved a good game of pool. He enjoyed traveling with Vella and they enjoyed 28 years together.

Kenneth loved his family and was always a joy to be around. He was protective of his loved ones and honest to a fault. He was straight forward and stubborn, and was he certainly strong willed, never letting his health slow him down.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Calvin Whitney; and an infant son, Russell Whitney.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Vella Whitney; his daughter and son-in-law, Donita and Eugene Powers; his granddaughters, Emily Powers (Britt Keeton) and Kayla Hilles and husband Jeremiah; a great grandson, Thoren Hilles; two step-children, Jerry Pendergraft and wife Mary Lou and Karolyn Lauerman; a step grandchild, Cole Lauerman; special neighbors and friends, Mitchell and Michelle Archer, and a host of extended relatives and many dear friends who loved him and will miss him.

Visitation will be held from 5 PM to 7 PM on Thursday, July 11 at Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison. Graveside service will be Friday, July 12 at 10 AM at York Cemetery in Bergman. Mitchell Archer and Jerry Pendergraft will officiate.

Pallbearers are Mitchell Archer, Paul Archer, Britt Keeton, Jerry Pendergraft, Jerry Taylor, Justin Choate, Stanley Risley, and Ron Wright.

Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Tom Langston, his nurses and staff.

Memorial donations can be made to Hospice House, 501 E Sherman, Harrison, AR, 72601 in Kenneth's memory.

Arrangements under the direction of Coffman Funeral Home of Harrison. On-line condolences can be left at www.coffmanfh.com.