Kennard Etheridge Gilbreath Jr passed peacefully predawn on Good Friday April 18, 2025. A memorial was held on Easter Monday April 21st at Buffalo Springs Community Church where he was a member for 22 years.
Ken was born in Floydada, Texas on November 17, 1935, to Kennard Etheridge Sr and Essie Bee Gilbreath.
He was the oldest son of 4 brothers and one sister. Brothers Bobby & wife Mary, Donnie & wife Sharon, Joe & wife Rita, Larry & wife Gail, sister Rita Gayle Gilbreath and husband Martin.
He grew up in Levelland where he was neighbors with Ann, his wife of 34 years, where he enjoyed teasing her on the bus. He played football for the Levelland Lobos in 1954. He also rode bulls, was a wing walker on airplanes, and was in the Marine Reserves. He farmed for a few years with his dad and after a while went into law enforcement in Seminole, Van Horn, Nocona, Chillicothe, and Post.
He retired from law enforcement in 1988 and moved to Buffalo Springs Lake 2003 where he was Mayor Pro Tem. He loved to fish, to read (always had a Western book in hand), patrol the lake, and his church family.
He is preceded in death by son Kenney Joe Gilbreath (his wife is Nancy), and his Grandson Harvey Tyrrell.
He is survived by his wife Laura Ann O’Connor, his children Tammy Tyrrell & husband Mike, Michelle Gilbreath, Todd & Jocelyn Myers, Sherri Myers, Kimberly & Kyle Gregory. He has 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren & many nieces and nephews.
Ken donated his body to Texas Tech and his ashes will be with his son Kenny’s in the Davis Mountains, Texas.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations to Buffalo Springs Meals on Wheels where Ken volunteered delivering meals and where his pineapple upside down cake sold at auction for $800! Checks can be mailed to: 7777 High Meadow Rd Lubbock, Texas 79404
KENNARDGILBREATHJR.