Charles Corbell

Charles ''Kenneth'' Corbell went home to be with the Lord on May 12th in Levelland, Texas. He was 91 years of age.

Kenneth was born on his family farm in a dugout home near Littlefield, Texas on March 28, 1927. He was the second of four children born to Lewis Albert ''Buck'' Corbell and Della Reed Corbell, who were among the first of the early farm settlers in the region. Kenneth later moved with his family to a farm near Maple, Texas where he along with his brothers and sisters were reared and he learned his skills in farming. Kenneth received his education and later graduated from Three Way High School in Maple.

Kenneth's timely graduation from high school was interrupted by World War II. Anxious to do his part to serve our nation, he attempted to enlist in the military as soon as possible. His first attempt was unsuccessful as he was turned away when it was discovered he was only 17 years of age. Upon turning 18 however, Kenneth voluntarily enlisted in the United States Navy. Following basic training, he was assigned to serve aboard the USS YMS-373, a US Navy Minesweeper. He entered on duty on May 22, 1945 and was honorably discharged on July 29, 1946. After reentering civilian life, Kenneth returned to Maple and graduated from high school.

Following graduation, Kenneth left the family farm and began work as a lineman for the General Telephone Company. Fortune was with Kenneth. During a company picnic at Silver Falls, Texas, he met the love of his life, Evelyn Schluter, who by chance was attending the picnic at the invitation of friends. This chance encounter blossomed into a marriage that would last for 67 years. They were married on October 14, 1950 in Clovis, New Mexico.

Kenneth's time with General Telephone took him and Evelyn to many places to include Oklahoma and the Gulf Coast in the mid 1950s however, they returned to farming; first to Shallowater, Texas and later to Maple when an opportunity presented itself to reacquire the family farm where he was raised. Kenneth also farmed in the Levelland area for a period of time. Following retirement in 1992, Kenneth did volunteer work for a time with South Plains College. When not busy at SPC, he and Evelyn had many adventures touring the country in their RV and spending quality time with family.

During his professional life, Kenneth served on the Board of Directors for Bailey County Rural Electric, the Blackwater Valley Conservation District and the Maple Coop Gin. His many accomplishments include selection as the Outstanding Conservation Farmer of the Blackwater Valley Conservation District in 1971 and achieving his childhood dream of flying when he obtained his certification as a private pilot and in owning his own airplane for a time. Relating to his love for flight, another of Kenneth's achievements later in life occurred shortly after turning 80 years of age when he successfully completed and passed a required FAA check flight. Other passions included travel, exploration and attending his grandson's baseball games.

Kenneth was a devoted Christian and a lifelong member of the Church of Christ. For years he served as a leader and speaker at the 3rd Street and Avenue M Church of Christ in Levelland.

Kenneth leaves behind his devoted wife Evelyn; his two daughters, Trena Rutter (married to Chris Rutter) of Midland, TX and Celia Smith (married to Jay Smith) of Ruidoso, NM; his grandson Patrick Smith of Las Cruces, NM; and his sisters Jo Hale of Levelland and Anita Holt of Lorena, TX. Other living nephews and nieces include Terry Corbell, Larry Hale, Mark Hale, Brenda Morris, Bruce Holt, Angela Baze, Roxanne Sula and Greg Holt. Preceding Kenneth in death include his brother, L.A. Corbell; sister Frances Hyman; and nephews Billy Hyman and Jimmy Hyman.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm on Friday, May 25, 2018, in the Krestridge Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the Ralls Cemetery. Services will be performed by Pastor Jim Clayton, who, while serving with Accolade Hospice, provided much spiritual comfort to Kenneth and his family.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the caregivers with Hickory Place Assisted Living and with Accolade Hospice, who provided not only great care but went the extra mile in providing true love and friendship.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Krestridge Funeral Home. (806) 897-1111

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