Ken Ray Kimmel

Ken Kimmel, Okemah resident, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025 at the age of 81. Ken was born on August 23, 1944 in Tulsa, OK to Ernest Theodore and Grace Adeline (Moss) Kimmel. He attended Northeast Hich School in Oklahoma City and then Southwestern Junior College and the University of Oklahoma. He was a Vietnam veteran, pilot, hunter, gun advocate, lifelong Goldwater style Republican, life member of the NRA and Kittyhawk Veteran’s Association. Ken married Karen Yvonne Tennell on October 17, 1983 in Purcell, OK.

Ken is survived by his wife of 41 years, Karen Kimmel; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Sherri Kimmel; daughter and son-in-law, Kristen and Kevin Smith; six grandchildren, Chris, Kynda, Caitlin, Alexandra, Emily and Matt; three great grandchildren, Ryatt, Rush and Mason and many other family and friends.

A private graveside service will be held at Schoolton Cemetery in Cromwell, OK.