In 1929 at the age of 12 Kenneth and his family moved to California where they began working on farms from Salinas to Fillmore, where he attended high school.
In 1939 he left the orange orchards behind and joined the Army. Starting at Fort Lewis, Washington in the 15th Infantry Regiment, he served with them in North Africa, where he received his first of 4 purple hearts. He later went on to serve with the 751 Tank Battalion at Anzio and stayed in Italy for the remainder of the war, where he earned 3 more Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star.
After the war he bought the Planada Dairy for his mother and father. He was married on December 25, 1947 to Margaret Mary Johnstone from Babinda, Queensland, Australia and they began their family, giving birth to 3 sons. In 1954 he was called to serve back in the Army. In the early 60’s he participated in testing the early atom bombs in Nevada. He continued his tour in Germany, Fort Ord, CA, Fort Irwin, CA, one year of service in South Korea, and ended his tour in Fort Carson, CO where he retired from active service in 1967.
Kenneth completed 10 years of civil service at Castle Air Force Base and was then transferred to Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in Oakland, California where he served another 10 years of civil service, moving back to Merced, California after his retirement. Kenneth was a very patriotic man and was very proud to have served for our country.
In his spare time Kenneth loved to bowl, he spent many hours at Century Bowl of Merced. He also loved to spend time in his backyard gardening his flowers, or taking trips, his favorite place to travel was to Australia.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out in Kenneth’s name to St. Jude Childrens Hospital at: 311 California Street #650 San Francisco, California 94104.
Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents; Kern and Ina Harville and his oldest son Leslie Harville.
He is survived by his 2 sons Robin and Lindsay Harville, along with many other relatives such as: siblings, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren and will be missed by them dearly.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 1:00P.M. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home located at 1490 B Street Merced, California.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6