November
17, 1934 – October 3, 2018
Kenneth
Ray Waymire was born November 17, 1934 in Howard, Kansas. He was the third
child born to Leo and Opal Waymire. Ken had two brothers, Gene Jones and
Richard Waymire, and one sister, Barbara Waymire; who are all deceased. Ken
played basketball in high school where he wore his “chucks and tore up the
court”. He graduated at the age of sixteen and enlisted into the United States
Navy where he served his country in the Korean War and was able to travel the
world. His love of adventure took him to many different places and experiences
which he loved to share the stories with whoever would listen. While trying to
sell a Thunderbird to a woman who wanted a Mustang, he fell in love. He married
Diane Johnson on April 4, 1966 (divorced) . They had four beautiful daughters
who became his everything. Despite the fact that his daughters kept him busy,
he enjoyed working on cars, watching the Lakers games, nightly walks with
his family and dog Max, trying to win big while betting on horses, camping,
long family car rides on Sunday, and barbecuing. Ken had a love for music and
could be found dancing with his girls to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, or the
Beach Boys. Ken was proud his daughters all graduated college and had
successful careers. Over the years, Ken’s new passion became the 10
grandchildren that he loved and treasured very much. He routinely mailed cards, called, gave them
“spending money”, attended sports games, and school events. He took them for
walks, went to the park with them, celebrated their accomplishments, held them,
shared his knowledge on life, and tried to teach them the value of hard work.
Despite his devotion for his children and grandchildren Ken found a new love in
his life; his four pound dog named Molly. She offered him companionship and
love while he began battling multiple health issues that originated from his
service in the Navy. Even though he was in pain, he always found a way to
share a funny story or quote like “ you wake up to discover your waterbed
broke, but you realize you don’t own a waterbed”. His love for a good laugh kept his spirits
up.
Ken was surrounded by those he
loved as he took his last breaths on October 3, 2018 in Hemet, California.
He is missed terribly, yet he
lived his life according to his favorite musical artist, Frank Sinatra, and
“did it my way!”. HIs family will continue to honor him by living life to
the fullest, sharing funny stories about him, dancing to his favorite music,
and turning up the radio when any Frank Sinatra song comes on.
He is survived by his four daughters: Stacy Sorenson; Erin McLellan and her spouse
Jim; Wendy Wolf and her spouse Don; and Amy Cooper and her spouse Gordon.legacy lives on through his grandchildren: Spencer and Parker McCollum,
Todd McLellan (children of Erin); McKenna, Emily and Logan Sorenson (children
of Stacy); Mason, Reagan, and Ellison Wolf (children of Wendy); and Kayden
Waymire (daughter of Amy).
Molly his dog will be loved and
cherished by his family until they meet again where he can give her treats and
take her for walks.
