Kenneth Dale Surratt, age 95, of Payson, died on Monday, March 6, 2023 at 1:28 am in his home.

Kenneth was born on December 20, 1927 in New Salem, Illinois, the son of Harvey and Jessie Howell Surratt. He married Norma Oitker on July 20, 1951 in the Parsonage of Payson United Methodist Church. She survives.

Kenneth joined the United States Army after his junior year of high school, and was part of the 185th Engineers Corps and was stationed at Fort Knox and Camp Campbell during his service in 1946 and 1947. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Kenneth pursued schooling in propane gas and began a 20 year career with Uregas, where he became the manager of seven plants in the Illinois region. He then was employed by Champion International Paper, later bought by International Paper, for 12 years. He also operated heavy equipment and was involved in road construction for many years.

Kenneth also worked part time for John Issacson hauling soybean oil and soybean meal out of the caves and the Quincy Soybean Plant to barges on the river. At one point, the Coast Guard required that they take a six hour test to be certified since they were filling barges on the Mississippi. Five of them drove to St. Louis and only had their time on the drive to read and study the material. Kenneth and the boss, John Isaacson, were the only two who passed that test that day.

Kenneth had a strong work ethic and was a hard worker throughout his life, always working a full time job while also working alongside Norma to care for their livestock and property. In his early years, he raised over 10,000 chickens for Davis Cleaver, had hogs they raised, cows, and always horses. Kenneth loved his horses, especially his oldest, Stormy, who lived 39 years and 8 months, and his Duchess.

Kenneth had a true love for animals of all kinds, and they never allowed hunting on their land. He enjoyed the outdoors, old cars, and going to antique auctions, where he would look for antique clocks.

Kenneth was a kind man that never uttered a swear, but loved people and was known to kid and joke with his friends. Kenneth cherished his time traveling with Norma, and the Rocky Mountains were his favorite destination.

Kenneth was a member of Calvary Baptist Church since 1954, and he was always there to help with projects and used to enjoy helping with the men's suppers.

Survivors, in addition to his beloved wife, Norma, include a brother, Gerald (Dixie) Surratt of Heber City, UT, two sister's-in-law, Donna Mullins of Payson, IL, and Doris Blackwell of Wichita, KS; three Surratt family nephews and nieces, Ginger, Tony and David; and four Oitker family nephews and nieces, Cheryl, Denise, John and Jason; and numerous great-nieces and great nephews. Kenneth was a born again Christian who loved and served the Lord, and now he is home with His Lord.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers-in-law, Joe Mullins and Chris Blackwell.

Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Monday, March 13, 2023 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.

Services: 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Calvary Baptist Church, with Rev. L.D. Grant officiating.

Burial: Akers Chapel Cemetery, Plainville, Illinois will full military honors conducted by the Payson VFW and the United States Army Honors Detail.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church (for Missions) or the Quincy Humane Society. Memorials may be made online at

www.hansenspear.com

Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.