Kenneth Carlyle (K.C.) Abney November 29, 1946 - August 7, 2021

Kenneth Carlyle Abney (K.C.) was born on November 29, 1946, in Mesa, Arizona, to Wilbur Kenneth Abney and Tenna Louise Turley.  K.C. peacefully passed away August 7, 2021, after suffering from a rare and rapid growing brain cancer.  His five children and other family members were at his side to see him through his final hours. He was a devoted husband and father who loved his family, his country and his God beyond measure. His family of eleven brothers and sisters loved and admired him as their oldest sibling.  His own children loved and learned much from this man who always thought more of others than of himself.

At a young age, he proved himself a determined soul and that trait remained with him throughout his life, in many areas.  He loved sports at which he excelled and was successful in his quest for learning as a graduate of Brigham Young University.  He knew the power of serving the Lord and blessing souls with his sweet and quiet demeanor.  He served his country in the United States Marines and Army Special Forces, retiring after 22 years of service.  He served in many church callings and never failed to give his sincere and best effort in serving the Lord, whom he loved.

Although his life experiences were always fascinating and fun to listen to, he was the one in the arena.  He was one for adventure and doing hard things, one for helping where needed, always seeking knowledge and finding joy in the hard things of life.

K.C.’s employment consisted of many interesting positions with various companies.  He was employed by State Farm Insurance, the United States Military, the Marriott Corp., Word Perfect, Novell, Thanksgiving Point, Young Living Farms and was an EMT for Spanish Fork City.  His ability to touch lives and make the world a better place, while in the service of these various companies, was always admirable.

During his younger years, he was an athlete in basketball, baseball and football. In his later years, he competed in several marathons, and triathlons.  He was going to do his seventh triathlon, this September, with his children and grandchildren.  Golfing also became a sport he enjoyed for the past two years, so he could enjoy a sport and time with all of his sons and grandsons. It was the best of times for him.

K.C. served in several capacities and callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He loved working with the youth and helping them become determined to be their best selves.  He also served as a Bishop of the Northridge 4^th Ward, where he learned to love unconditionally those wonderful people whom he served.

He served his initial mission in the South German Mission at the age of 19, but later in life served five missions with his wife. Their missions were served in Izmir, Turkey; Jacksonville, North Carolina; Palmyra, New York; and Susquehanna, Pennsylvania.   He would always say, “Aren’t we having the time of our lives!”  His missions were the highlight of his life.

In 2017, he was called to serve as the Director of the Priesthood Restoration Site in Pennsylvania for two years and treasured that experience beyond measure.  When he passed, he was actually serving his fifth mission at the South West Utah Church Historical Mission in St. George, Utah.  His new mission call came on August 7, 2021, as he passed through the veil.

His military service took him to many interesting places around the world. He had experiences that he could sometimes share.   His opportunity to serve after 9/11 in the Enduring Freedom Operation allowed him to speak at many firesides and use his knowledge and experiences to influence many lives for good.

K.C.’s wonderful life was preceded in death by his father, Wilbur Kenneth Abney; his mother, Tenna Louise Turley Abney Heap; and his stepfather, Elmer Leroy Heap.  He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marilyn Weed Abney; their five children: Nathan Barg Abney (Sarah Wilson Abney), Tyra Abney Hawkins (Jacob Hawkins), Robert Kenneth Abney, Spencer Kenneth Abney (Keri Thueson Abney), Christopher James Abney (Hayley Barr Abney); and 14 wonderful grandchildren.  He is also survived by his siblings: Kathy Heap Stevens, Jim Abney, Jim Heap, Janis Heap Rowberry, Marilyn Heap Wilson, Barbara Abney, Teri Heap LeSueur, Glenn Abney, Elmer Heap, and Miriam Heap King.

Funeral services for Kenneth C. Abney will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at the Spanish Fork South Stake Center,  870 East Canyon Road, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660.  The viewing will be held from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. in the Relief Society Room.  The funeral service will be at 12:00 Noon.  Interment will follow, after the funeral, at the Spanish Fork Cemetery at 420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660.

Zoom information for the funeral service is as follows:  https://zoom.us/j/91812156984