Kenneth E. Whitney, 66, of Joaquin, passed away Saturday, July 10, 2009 at his residence. He was born August 6, 1942 in Silsbee to Herbert Jackson Whitney and Pearl Hayes Whitney. Mr. Whitney was an avid hunter and fisherman and had served as a fishing guide. He loved to cook for both the youth at First Baptist Church of Joaquin and the Joaquin Fire Department. Mr. Whitney was a member of First Baptist Church of Joaquin.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Tuesday, July 14th at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, July 15th at the First Baptist Church of Joaquin with Bro. Paul Silvey, Bro. Al Hancock, Raymond Owens and LeeAnn Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Sholar Cemetery in Shelby County.

Pallbearers will be special family members; Paul Barras, Randy Bonner, Mark Bonner, Tim Bonner, Bubba Metcalf, Zach Bonner, David Bonner, Justin Bell, Jacob Metcalf and Justin Wilburn. Honorary pallbearers will be special family members; Carl Savoie, Charles Case, Curly Metts, Ray Foster, Wayne Barber, Calvin Lopez, Jerry Cockrell, Elwin Watson, Richard Cox, Skip McGhan, Jay Garcia, Jay Garcia Jr., Wayne Wimberly, Scotty Everett, Billy Mack Wilson, Rusty Wilson, Joe Cockrell, Steve Cockrell, K. D. Langford, Leonard Roland, David Jones, Adrian Roland, Kevin Taylor, James Moore, Jim Sullivan, Tom Gallenbach, O. D. Faulkner, David Buton, Bo Posey, Rodney Dean, Steve Owens and Darrin Owens.

He is survived by:

Wife of 27 years: LaMerle Cockrell Whitney of Joaquin

Sons:
Charles Whitney and wife Shirley of Houston
Jacob Whitney

Daughter: Dawn Jones and husband Everett of Orange

Grandsons:
Nicholas Whitney, Nathaniel Whitney, Brandon Whitney and Ronald Warden, II.

Granddaughters:
Melinda Guidry and husband Chad
Breane Whitney

Great Granddaughter: Akaria Hope Guidry

Sister, Jeannette Cornwell of Alvin

Brother-in-law: Delbert Ray Cockrell and wife Doris of Center

Adopted Family:
Bro. Paul Silvey and Lynn, Matt and Zack
Keith Koonce and wife Delilah, Elizabeth, Chris Carlin, Joel and Emily "Cutie Pie"
Dock and Fannie Watson.
A Number of Other Relatives

Preceded in death by:
Parents, Herbert Jackson Whitney and Pearl Hayes Whitney
Sister-in-law, Mildred Frankie Cockrell Brittain
Brothers-in-law; Charles Harvey Cockrell and David Cornwell
Nieces; Julie Dewan Brittain Harris and Paige Carpenter
Great Niece; Ashley Caroline Harris
Father-in-law and Mother-in-law; Dutch and Alice Crawford Cockrell

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Lifecare Hospice of Nacogdoches, Dr. Coty Ho, Angela, Sonna and Miriam.