Bonham, Texas -- A celebration of the life of Kenneth "Ken" R. Whitton, 74, of Bonham, Texas, will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Shafer Funeral Home in Lufkin with Mr. Robert D. Hurst officiating.

Ken was born on June 1, 1951, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to the late Oscar Arthur Whitton and Sally Gaynell (Hughes) Whitton, and died Monday, July 14, 2025, in Bonham, Texas.

Ken was a brother, friend, veteran, husband, father, businessman and grandfather. From his earliest days, his work ethic was a driving force, beginning with his paper route in the 5th grade. His love of building and fishing began early on the banks of Lone Star Lake. He served in the Air Force from 1972 to 1976. Ken & Linda married on August 23, 1974.

In 1977, Ken began his telecommunications career as a Switching Technician with Lufkin Telephone Exchange and over the next 27 years rose through the ranks as a telecommunications professional and leader. He loved hunting trips to West & Central Texas as well as Montana; quiet time in nature always brought him peace.

Ken found joy in carpentry and building. His projects included: Christmas wooden cutouts, custom doll house and barn, drill team props, dorm room furniture, Rangerette stage sets, bird houses, planter boxes, and cedar adirondack chairs that are cherished by all his girls. After retiring, Ken spent more of his time on Lake Sam Rayburn fishing, milling wood on his sawmill and woodworking in his “No Name Woodshop” where he built things bringing joy to friends and family.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Linda Whitton; daughter Kelli Whitton Russo and husband Nick; daughter, Lori Whitton Galloway and husband Casey; granddaughter, Campbell Ryan Galloway; brother, Steve Whitton; aunt, Evie Nell Bowers; sister-in-law Nita Walker and husband and Kenneth; brother-in-law Frank Gainer and wife Rene’e; along with nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his sister, Judy W. Knight; and sister-in-law, Janna G. Whitton.

Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Whitton, Nick Russo, Casey Galloway, Jeff Swearingen, Tom Gage, Jack Squires, Jackie Dukes, James Westberry, Gordon Knott, Rick Lawrence, Larry Diggs, Jerry McGuire and Andy Dill.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions are requested to: Grace Covenant Academy Building Fund, continuing Ken’s building legacy. GCA is a 501c3. https://gcafrisco.networkforgood.com/projects/255646-gca-donation-page-in-memory-of-kenneth-r-whitton or Grace Covenant Academy, Attn: Advancement/Kenneth R. Whitton, 8000 Sanctuary Drive, Frisco, TX 75033.

The Whitton family is grateful for the medical staff at TMC Bonham Swing Unit, special caregiving friends, fellow coin collectors and numerous friends and family members for their unending support and prayers.

Memories and condolences may be added at https://www.shaferfh.com/listings and live webcasting of the services may be viewed on the Facebook page of Shafer Funeral Home. A reception will immediately follow the Celebration of Life at Shafer Funeral Home.

Local arrangements are under the direction of Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home.