Kenneth Charles Stanley

Kenneth Charles Stanley, 87, of Crossett, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025. He was born on March 12, 1938, to Charlie and Bessie Pennington Stanley and was a 1956 graduate of Crossett High School.

Kenneth lived a full and hardworking life, spending much of his career as an independent general contractor and working with companies like Tom Patrick Construction. He was a proud member of the Carpenters Union and Stanley Deer Camp, where he shared his love for hunting—though fishing was his greatest outdoor joy.

Above all, Kenneth valued family. Whether during a cookout, vacation, or quiet evening, he was the steady presence who brought everyone together. Known as the rock of his family, he shared wisdom freely and loved deeply, even if his strong will sometimes came across as cantankerous.

Kenneth had a gift for connecting with others and found joy in being part of a close-knit community. He formed lasting bonds with many, especially his best friend, Martha Posey, his cousin, Robert Pennington, and his grandson, Chris Ray, whom he raised like a son.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Eli Stanley; and eleven siblings—Herman, Lincoln, James, Roland, Dorothy, Helen, Pauline, Brenda Sue, Joyce, Mary Lavell, and infant brother Wayne.

He is survived by his loving family: daughters Kay Anthony of Crossett, and Tracy Harville (Bobby), Barbara Craig (Steve), and Gail Matthews (Coleman) all of Hamburg; along with brother Lowell Stanley of Crossett; grandchildren Chris Ray, Erin Denman, Danna Craig, Megan Ziegler, Blake Harville and Logan Matthews; 15 great-grandchildren with one on the way; and many cherished extended family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 3rd, at Medders Funeral Home, 1564 Hwy 52 W, in Crossett, with Bro. Mike Griffith and Bro. Chance Ziegler officiating followed by interment at Sims Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Chris Ray, Gordy Wilcox, Steven Cross, Chris Barnett, Michael Cross, Chance Ziegler, Blake Harville and Dennis Barnett.  Honorary pallbearers are Horace Pennington and Robert Pennington.

Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m., Saturday, prior to the service.

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