Allen Ray Kennon

Allen Ray Kennon passed from this life on May 9, 2015 after a long battle with colon cancer. Ray was born December 6, 1929 in Elizabethtown, NM to Jesse and Edna Kennon. He lost his mother as a child and was raised for a number of years by his maternal grandparents Guy and Delia Conrad. His father married Effie Conrad in 1937 and the two continued to raise him in Taos. Ray graduated from Taos High School in 1948 where he played football and excelled in math. He and Mom had great stories about high school friends Herman Quintana, Brooke Cottam, Geraldine Brooks, Patsy Dewell, Ann Liebert and others. Ray attended Highlands University where his mother hoped that he would get his teaching degree.

That was not the plan and he and Mom (Marilyn Hokanson) were married in Taos on August 27, 1950. Ray joined his father in the construction business as Kennon Builders. He was hard working and earned a reputation as a quality custom builder in Taos becoming sole owner of the business, building both residential and commercial. He and his crew often built adobe homes. One of his most memorable projects was the Episcopal Church in Taos. Dad spoke very highly of his crew who were natives from Taos Pueblo and he felt privileged to have hunted with them several times on Taos Mountain.

He enjoyed fishing, particularly ice fishing in Eagle Nest in the winter and being a part of local rodeos in the summer. Dad often rode for the Sheriff's Posse in parades or at the State Fair on one of his quarter horses that he and Mom always seemed to have. Seeing his daughter Cindy in barrel racing was one of his real joys.

After retiring, he and Marilyn moved to Farmington in 1992. Ray enjoyed his free time with the things he loved to do which included wood carving, building and carving furniture, and outdoor projects around the house. He acquired a love of golf and enjoyed his early morning tee times with the guys and taking turns on buying day old donuts.

Ray is survived by his wife (Marilyn), brother Ronnie (Mary Beth), sister Martha Ellen, children, Rae Lynn (Kirk) Shropshire, Cheryl (Chris) Whitney, Cindy (Ken) Motherway and Scott (Susan) Kennon as well as five grandchildren Matthew (Deborah) Jones, Amber Shropshire (Damian), Joshua (Angie) Jones, and Sarah (Gavin) Shropshire, and Bradley Motherway. There are three great-grandchildren: Eric, Leah, and Madeline. Cremation has taken place. The family will gather privately. .

The family would like to thank Dr. Kazmi, the out-patient nursing staff at San Juan Regional Medical Center, Northwest New Mexico Hospice and Home Care, Dr. Harold McFarling, and staff, especially nurse Barbara Coatley, for their care, flowers, meals, and answers to questions. Special thanks to Dr. Robert Burns, nurses Megan, Deena, Trisha, Erin, Juanita, and Jason as well as the numerous CNA staff at Life Care, for their compassion and kindness.

Ray's care is with Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute St., Farmington, (505) 325-8688.