STANTON - James Kenneth Snodgrass was born to Olen Lee “Weevil” Snodgrass Sr. and Gladys Irene Gibson Snodgrass on Feb. 12, 1931. He joined an older brother, Olen Lee Snodgrass Jr. and sister, Doris Marie Snodgrass. They lived in the Courtney community, northwest of Stanton.
His dad farmed, drove a school bus and worked on the roads (during times when crops were scarce) to feed the family. By watching his dad work various jobs to support the family, he developed a very dedicated work ethic to make sure his family was taken care of.
Kenneth and his siblings attended Courtney schools and graduated from there. He loved playing football and basketball. His plans when he graduated was to go into the service. However, due to a freak accident he was not able to serve in the military. He was working on his dad’s truck when the jack fell and penned him underneath. He spent many months in traction from a broken back. Upon his recovery, he planned to farm, but a drought was happening at the time so he went to work for Pine Office Equipment and Supply in Midland. He repaired typewriters, adding machines, and cash registers for quite a few years before going to work for Pioneer Natural Gas Co. His true love was always farming so he would go work on the farm after 5pm on weekdays and all weekend.
On a blind date he met the love of his life, Nelda Dean McDuffey. They were married Nov. 29, 1952 and had one child Deborah Clarene, born on Sept. 22, 1954. He absolutely adored that little redhead! When Debbie married Delwyn Almand on Jan. 19, 1974, he loved Delwyn like a son and cherished the times they spent together. His life became even more blessed when granddaughters, Angie and Alisha came along. Many times, he would have the girls riding the tractor with him.
Kenneth and Nelda moved to the farm, not far from the old Courtney community location. He farmed raising cotton, feed, and raised a few cows. When he knew he needed to retire he would watch from the sidelines as men like Kenny Stewart would farm his land for him. He had a great deal of respect for Kenny because “Kenny farms like I used to”. When great grandsons, Alijah and Isaiah came into the family, he loved watching the boys play sports and remember his sports playing days.
Kenneth and Nelda were always together. They celebrated their 68th anniversary on Nov. 29, 2020. He died Jan.16, 2021.
He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Almand of Stanton; granddaughter, Angela Dawn Almand of Jacksonville, Florida; granddaughter, Alisha Marie Almand Ontiveros and husband Carlo Ontiveros of Stanton; and great grandsons, Alijah and Isaiah Ontiveros of Stanton.
He is predeceased by his parents, his brother O.L. and sister-in-law, Bobby Snodgrass, his sister, Doris and brotherin-law Bill Sadler, his son in law, Delwyn Almand and a granddaughter, Jerrellyn De’an Almand, and his wife Nelda.
Honorary pallbearers were Kenny Stewart, Danny Fryar, Carlo Ontiveros, Alijah Ontiveros and Isaiah Ontiveros.
Funeral service was Jan.22, at Evergreen Cemetery Chapel
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Stanton Memorial Funeral Home.