(From Nelson Funeral Service)Kenneth Ray Asbury of Green Forest, the beloved father of Debra Elaine Blevins, was born on April 24, 1935, in Seneca, Mo., where his father worked in the lead and zinc mines. He was the seventh of nine children born to Jody and Ruby (Molder) Asbury. Kenneth passed away peacefully at Hillcrest Home in Harrison, on June 1,at the age of 91.
In 1938, Kenny's family moved from Missouri to the community of Farewell, where he spent the majority of his life surrounded by wonderful neighbors and family.
On July 8, 1954, he was united in marriage to Bonnie Jean Terherst. Together, they shared nearly 65 years of life's joys and sorrows and were blessed with one daughter, Debbie. Kenny was a true gentleman-quiet-spoken and serious-minded. He surrendered his heart to the Lord at a brush arbor revival in Blue Eye, Missouri, and was later baptized at Oasis, a location now beneath Table Rock Lake. In 1965, he felt the Lord's call to preach and dedicated the remainder of his life to serving Jesus and sharing the "Plan of Salvation."
He ministered faithfully in rural communities, often traveling long distances along dirt roads to preach in forgotten and weathered buildings, reaching those in need. Bonnie stood faithfully beside him in ministry, and together with their daughter, they shared music during church services. Kenny both began and concluded his preaching ministry at the pulpit of the Oneness Church of God in Denver. He later served there as pastor from 2007 to 2011, until Bonnie's health prevented them from continuing. Over the years, he officiated 147 funerals, as recorded carefully in his Bible.
In his early years, Kenny drove a truck hauling milk for Carnation in Harrison. He later entered construction, learning the trade through hands-on experience. He worked independently for 25 years, building and remodeling many homes in the Green Forest area, often working alongside his dear friend, Jewell Smith. In his later years, he worked in the Maintenance Department at Tyson Foods in Green Forest, where he formed many lasting friendships before retiring.
Kenny was a devoted and loving husband. He selflessly cared for Bonnie for many years as she battled Alzheimer's disease until her passing, just shy of their 65th wedding anniversary. During his period of bereavement, at the age of 84, he taught himself to play the harmonica and used his newfound skill to offer special music during worship services.
On December 1, 2020, he married Wilma (Wyatt) Keller of Berryville. They shared time together enjoying country drives, attending church services, and forming new friendships. As their health declined, they became residents of Hillcrest Home in Harrison, where they shared a room and their remaining time together. They were lovingly cared for by the compassionate staff, whom the family deeply appreciates and gives thanks for.
Kenneth is survived by his wife of five years, Wilma Asbury of Harrison; his daughter, Debbie Blevins (Scott) of Omaha; one sister, Shirley Shinebarger and husband Charles of Walnut Shade, Mo.; five grandchildren: Sherry Presley (Will) of Harrison, Stephen Blevins of Omaha, Mandy Blair (Lee) of Russellville, Melissa Feemster of Russellville, and Susan Blevins of Prairie Grove; nine great-grandchildren: Brayden and Bryce Presley; Paige and Trystan Blair; Avery, Kaden, and Aspen Feemster; and Rylee Jo and Sydney Lane. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jody and Ruby (Molder) Asbury; his wife, Bonnie (Terherst) Asbury; four sisters, Iva Lee Simpson, Wanda Irvin, Ethel Gardner, and Sharon Hammond; and three brothers, Roy Asbury, William Lloyd Asbury, and Richard Joe Asbury.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Nelson's Green Forest Chapel. The funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, also at Nelson's Green Forest Chapel, with Pastor Doug Grinder and Pastor Mike Goodman officiating. Interment will follow at Farewell Cemetery in Green Forest, Arkansas, under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service.
Memorial donations may be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 362, Berryville, AR 72616, to support the purchase of Bibles. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to nelsonfuneral.com.
