Obituary of Kenneth Gilbert Willard

Edwards, NY-
Kenneth G. “Kenny” Willard, 78, of Trout Lake Street (CR 19), Edwards died
unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, December 14, 2023.
Calling hours will be on Monday, December 18 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Lawrence
Funeral Home, 21 Park Street, Canton. His funeral will be held on Tuesday,
December 19 at 11:30 AM with Lay Pastor John Frary officiating. A celebration of
life will be held at the Russell Fire Department from 2 to 5 pm following the
burial.
Additional off-street parking will be available behind “LUNA” at 18 Park Street.
Burial will be in Hermon Cemetery following the funeral.
Kenny was a man that enjoyed wearing his favorite flannel or plaid with a ball cap.
To honor his legacy, if one chooses, we ask that you consider wearing your
favorite flannel or plaid in his honor.
Kenneth Willard was born December 11, 1945 at his childhood home in Russell,
NY. He was a son of the late Earl and Dorothy (Hendrick) Willard and graduated
from Knox Memorial School in 1964. He attended autobody technician courses
after school.
Kenny joined the Army National Guard in August of 1965 and finished up his call
of duty in August of 1971.
On October 24 th , 1970 he married Jaqueline Brunet in the St James Catholic
Church of Gouverneur. Jackie passed away November 11, 2001.
Kenny worked as an autobody technician for over 20 years at Jim’s Auto in
Edwards. Prior employment included autobody technician for Seeker/ Graves
Chevrolet in Gouverneur, and later drove bus for Edwards-Knox Central School
before finishing up his working career with St. Lawrence County transit commuter
bus before his retirement.
He is survived by two daughters, Stephanie Blanchard of NC and Barbara Wilson
(Brian Banks) of NJ; two sons Paul Willard of Edwards and Steven (Samantha)
Willard of Russell; four siblings Ronnie (Joyce) Willard of Rochester, Larry (Carol)
Willard of FL, Liston (Susan) Willard of Hermon and Vicky (Warren) Franklin of

Russell; a sister-in-law Sharon Willard of Hermon; 8 grandchildren Kendra, Kyle,
Katelyn, Brittany, Kenneth, Bree, Emily and Mason; and 5 great-grandchildren,
several nieces and nephews; and his “Babe” Lodine Brothers of Lisbon.

He was predeceased by a brother Roger Willard.
Kenny was a senior member of the S & B Hunting Club of Edwards where he
enjoyed spending time cutting firewood, hanging out in camp enjoying various
snacks, feeding the wood fire, and chasing down big bucks with all his buddies,
especially Kevin Langtry who always gave him shotgun in his heated side-by-side
for the big hunts. He was a past member of Edwards Fire Department and Lions
Club. He was a strong supporter and lifetime member of the NRA and proudly
wore their hat. He also just recently joined the Norwood Senior Citizens Club.
Kenny thoroughly loved the outdoors and the simple things in life. Driving down a
country road with a fresh bag of cheese curd, listening to old country music
brought him great joy. He enjoyed a yearly camping trip to Cranberry Lake with
his family in earlier years. Hunting, cutting firewood, and making maple syrup
with family and friends also brought him great satisfaction. He also enjoyed
dancing at various local AMVETS, playing bingo and going to the casino. Kenny
was a connoisseur of fast foods, donuts, and any homemade treats.
A note found on His fire place mantel wrote in His handwriting read “The only
time you should look down on someone, is when you are helping them up”,
words he lived by.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Edwards or Russell Fire and Rescue
Department and /or the National Rifle Association.
Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting
www.lawrencefuneralhome.org