Kenneth Richard O'Bannon Sr.

Kenneth was also known as Kenny, Ken, Pops, Daddy, Grandpa, G-Pa, and Mr. Kenneth. He showed tremendous strength throughout his illness and showed his illness who the boss was many times before he finally succumbed.

Kenneth enjoyed a few occupations in his lifetime, as a professional cosmetologist, winning many awards for his innovative hairstyling techniques, as a tower crane operator, building many of the buildings that make up the Washington DC and Northern Virginia skylines today. However, the last occupation he held brought him the most pleasure, and was the one he was the most passionate about, as a regular and special education school bus driver for the Fairfax County Public Schools. His passion for his students was unmatched and it was hard to tell who adored who the most or who made who smile more. He was dedicated to their care and success.

He leaves behind many dear friends and his family who will always remember him for his kindness, quick wit, jokes, his holiday yard decorations, and the uncanny ability to fix anything. If it was broke, Kenneth could fix it, whether it was a car engine or a delicate piece of jewelry.

Kenneth loved NASCAR, and was an avid Earnhardt family fan, he never missed a race, and often joined his son, daughter, and grandchildren for an annual trip to the Darlington Raceway. He also loved country music, hosting parties, and dancing with his wife, Goldie. Kenneth and his wife also shared a passion for watching the wonderful wildlife in the backyard oasis he built.

Kenneth was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be missed immeasurably by his beloved wife of almost 52 years, Goldie, his adoring children, daughter Lawana and son Rick, his cherished grandchildren Austin and RJ, and his granddog, Smoochy.

The family will receive friends on Monday, June 16, 2014 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, June 17, 2014 from 11:00 – 1:00 p.m., with the memorial service beginning at 12:00 p.m., at Everly Funeral Home, 10565 Main Street, Fairfax, Virginia.

Interment will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Stonewall Memory Gardens, 12004 Lee Highway (29-211), Manassas, Virginia, following the memorial service.