Kenneth Roy Chism

Kenneth Roy Chism passed from this life on Friday, February 28th at his home in Lindsay, OK. He was born September 24, 1939 to Deanel and Ora Lee (Carwile) Chism in Qulin, Missouri in a log cabin on the banks of the Black River. His family lived there until they moved from Missouri to Joy, Arkansas when he was about 7-8 years old. Then in 1947, the family moved to Arizona, where Kenneth grew up and graduated high school. 

 Kenneth was active in Boy Scouts for much of his growing up years. He loved to tell stories of his many adventures and trips with his troop. His troop made the national news twice! One of the many scouting trips was a float trip down the Salt River. The leaders miscalculated how long the trip would take and they were reporting as lost making the news and resulting in a search and rescue effort. The boys and their scout leader arrived late, but in great condition. This troop had many adventures together camping and even hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Kenneth was one of thirteen in that same troop that earned the Eagle Scout award at the same time. This set a national record. His troop was able to attend the 1957 National Boy Scout Jamboree in Valley Forge, PA and he was able to go to New York City and Washington DC and see all the monuments. He even made an appearance on TV as one of those chosen to demonstrate the troops' projects from the wood shop.

 Kenny learned to do leather tooling, woodworking, woodburning, watercolor and oil painting. He was an amazing artist and saw just about anything as a potential canvas. 

 In high school, he joined the Army ROTC and he served in the Army Reserve for 8 years, being discharged in 1965.

 Kenny was a hard worker often working two jobs. He spent many hours in the sun, working in the cotton field, cutting broomcorn, and hauling hay. He met the love of his life in a cottonfield in Mesa, AZ. Their first date was to see the movie, “Love me Tender” starring Elvis Presley.

 Kenneth married Quala Rue Scruggs on July 11, 1959 in Wichita Falls, TX and they made their home in Lindsay, OK. They were blessed with two daughters, Tammy Janette and Lynda DeAnn and 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

 After moving to Lindsay, Ken worked for many local businesses, the Shoemake station, Cruse’s Department Store, Geffre’s Home Furnishings, Lindsay Builders Supply, and Gordon White Lumber. From 1993-2001, he owned his own business, Ken’s Floors and More. He worked up until 2015, retiring at age 76 years old.

 Kenneth was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He made every effort to attend all the many ballgames, recitals, and other school and church activities for his children and grandchildren. 

 Kenneth was baptized October 4, 1947 and was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He would often tell others of how blessed he was to witness the growth of the church and to be able to serve the Lord in his many church callings. 

 Kenneth is survived by his wife, Quala of 65 years; daughters, Tammy Janette Neria & husband Anthony, and Lynda DeAnn Robison and husband A.D. of Lindsay. Brothers, David Chism of Utah, John Steven Chism of AZ and sister Sherri Quick of TX. Grandchildren, Jeremy and Ashley Lamb of Pauls Valley, OK, Nicholas Lamb of TX, Michael and Sasha Lamb of Lindsay, OK, Cassandra and Nikolas Griffin of Pauls Valley, OK, and Maegan Robison of Fredrick, MD; Great grandchildren, Cadence & David Taylor, Ian Lamb, and Alexis Lamb of Pauls Valley, OK, Cheyenne, Charlotte, Michael, Jr. and Maverick Lamb of Lindsay, OK, Zachary and Ryan Lamb of TX; Sisters and brother-in-law: Carolyn Owens of Foster, OK and Gail and Doyle Davis of Lindsay, OK; along with many nieces and nephews.

 Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents, Deanel and Ora Lee Chism. Sisters LaDonna Burnau and Carol Weston, brother Talon (Danny) Chism and grandsons Brandon Lamb and Avery Robison.

 Graveside service to be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Greenhill Cemetery in Lindsay, Oklahoma. Burial is under the direction of John W. Williams of Winans Funeral Home in Maysville, Oklahoma. Words of comfort may be sent to the family on this website.