Encell O. Kenner, “Papa Curley,” was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. Curley was surrounded by loved ones when God called him home Dec. 28, 2012. Curley was born on June 16, 1930, in Cloud Chief, Okla., to William and Ruby Kenner.
Curley served two years in the United States Army in Japan. After the military he came back to Selma and married Betty Helm, and they were married for 25 years and were blessed with three beautiful children.
Curley went on to pursue a 30-year career in carpentry and had a work ethic second to none.
Curley later married his present wife on June 14, 1980 and was blessed with three step-sons. He took great pride in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Curley never met a stranger and was loved by all.
Curley was a champion team roper. At age 76, Curley placed second in the California State Finals. Pissant was Curley’s roping horse and companion for 27 years. Curley always said Pissant had more heart than most horses and always lived up to Curley’s expectations. Over the years, Curley made many roping friends who were his roping family.
Curley is survived by his wife Marilyn of 32 years of Selma, a son Danny Kenner of Lemoore and his wife Brenda, two daughters, Cathy Maddox of Visalia and her husband Tim, Cindy Gunderson of Fresno and her husband George, three step-sons, Mike Anderson and his wife Cheri, Scott Anderson and his wife Darlene, Paul Anderson (who preceded him in death), a sister Nita Choate and many relatives and friends.
On a personal note from roping buddy and friend, Randy Pennebaker, “Curley will be missed by all of us who knew and roped with him. He was usually seen riding around on old Pissant with any kids he could round up for a ride, including his many grandchildren. He made the rounds of about every roping arena in the central valley of California and helped many kids and beginning ropers get started.
“His positive attitude and straight-shooting comments will be missed by all. He was a great example of what a cowboy should be. He loved his horse, his old dog Socks, his wife and family, friends and his country. Curley lost his old horse Pissant about a month before he passed himself, so we like to think they’re high team out up in the ‘Big Arena.’ ”
A celebration of his life was held Jan. 4 at Thomas-Robinson Funeral Home in Selma.