Kenneth Ward Reviel

Kenneth Ward Reviel, 94, of DeRidder, LA passed from this life on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Kenneth Ward Reviel was born June 27, 1931, in Merryville, LA to Buddy Bruce and Maye Ward Reviel.

Kenneth attended school in Merryville in the first, second and third grades until his mother remarried and the family moved to Beaumont, TX. He attended school in Beaumont at an elementary school, Davy Crocket junior high school and Beaumont High School. After beginning high school, the family moved to Dallas, TX, where he attended North Dallas High School until the completion of tenth grade. He then moved home to live with his grandparents and entered Merryville High School, where he was very active in sports. He played basketball, ran track and played football. He was quarterback and co-captain of the football team. It was the year of transition in Beauregard Parish; students were given a choice to graduate or go on an extra year. Kenneth chose to go an extra year graduating from Merryville High School in 1949 in a class of five students. Upon graduation, he worked in Brownsville, TX with his uncle until he went back to Dallas and operated a movie theater. On January 2, 1951, he joined the Navy and served for four years. During his four years of service, he was enrolled in radar school and spent his service time as a radar man. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, he came back home to Merryville to live with his grandparents. His friend, Kurt Skinner encouraged him to enter college with Kurt's help and the GI Bill, he enrolled in McNeese College. During his college years, he fished on weekends to cover his expenses. Kenneth graduated from McNeese in three years, staying on the honor roll and graduating Cum laud. He was offered a job with Frank Bennett Associates in Baton Rouge about three days after graduation. He quickly accepted the job, which took him from state to state. While working this job, he was offered a job for Rice University property in Merryville, LA by the manager. He quickly accepted this position. Upon the manager's retirement, Kenneth was appointed to be the Resident Land Manager for Rice Land Lumber Company and moved into the Rice Land house. While working for Rice, he was appointed one of the directors for the Beauregard Forestry Landowners Association.

Kenneth loved sports so he became very active in the sports activities. He helped with the little league baseball program, joined the quarterback club, served on the hospital board, and used his company equipment to help make improvements at the school and community cemetery. He built a practice field for the football program, volunteered his men and equipment to level the land for the new football field so the money approved for that could be used to build a track field. The school needed work on the baseball field so Kenneth once again came to their rescue and volunteered to clear trees and level land to make another baseball field which is still in use today. He continued to support the sports program until his retirement from Rice University.

While living in Merryville, Kenneth, June and Ken were members of First Baptist Church. Kenneth was ordained as a Deacon, he served as Men's Sunday School teacher, youth director, opening assembly. After retirement they built a house in DeRidder and became members of First Baptist Church in DeRidder. He served as Deacon and joined the Kiwanis Club. when Kenneth was diagnosed with kidney failure, they moved their membership to New Life and then to Texas Ave Baptist Church. Kenneth had a blessed life with a loving wife, a great son, and two wonderful granddaughters.

Kenneth was passionate with his church life and work with God. He enjoyed fishing and absolutely loved deer hunting with his son and friend Andy Stark. Kenneth's greatest joy was being with his family. He loved watching his son play football and his granddaughters run track, high jump and perform as cheerleaders. he was so proud of this new role in his life. He was the perfect Papa to his granddaughters. One of his most rewarding memories was being able to see them both graduate from college.

Kenneth, June and Ken enjoyed traveling together. They have been in all the United States except Washington, Oregon and Hawaii. Kenneth and June also traveled to Canada, Germany and Switzerland.

Kenneth said that you have given me love in these sixty-three years that few people get to know, and I thank God for that.

Kenneth is survived by his loving wife of sixty-three years, June Evelyn; son, Kenneth, Jr.; two granddaughters, Sarah Katherine and Abigail Rae and a host of special nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to offer a special thank you to our doctor, Dr. Edward Hebert and his nurse, Sandra who gave emotional support and great care for Kenneth. Thank you to Reverend George Lee Glass for his many visits, calls and his faithful members for their prayers, visits and food each day. Thank you to Pastor Darryl Hoychick for his many visits, calls and prayers and Brighton Bridge Hospice staff and all the caregivers, Fresenius Kidney Care staff and support.

Visitation will be Friday, July 11, 2025, at 9:00 AM until the time of service at 10:00 AM at Grace Church in DeRidder, LA. Pastor George Lee Glass and Pastor Darryl Hoychick will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Pard Stark, Arrie Stark, Alex Manitzas, Garrett Manitzas, Weldon Karr and Glenn Callahan. Burial will follow at Cooper Cemetery in Merryville, LA.