Reverend Abraham Kenner Sr., 87, of Bellefontaine, passed away at 5:35 p.m. on November 22, 2021, at Mary Rutan Hospital in Bellefontaine, Ohio. He was born in Kokomo, Indiana on February 1,1934, a son of the late Ephraim Chesterfield and Allie Georgia (Hoosier) Kenner.
On February 26, 1965, Abraham married the former Janice Eileen Jennings in Lima, Ohio, and she preceded him in death on November 15, 2017. He was also preceded in death by five children, Clyde, Claudia, Steven, Deborah, and Stephanie; four siblings, Joseph Kenner, Brenda Warfield, Isiah Kenner, and Danny Kenner; and a brother-in-law, Rosevelt Carter.
Abraham is survived by 8 children, Mark (Roxanne) Kenner, Enga (Sylvester) Rowan, Abraham (Camille) Kenner, Donald L. Kenner, Anthony D. Kenner, Vanessa (George Jr.) Hunter, Sheila R. Whetsel, and Blake A. Kenner; (his first generation) adopted children, Marcelle Kenner, Carlos D. Kenner, Rico M. (Christy) Kenner, and Tasha D Shoffner; 25 grandchildren, Tony, Tierra (Diandre), Te’Ree (Miriah), Talmarita, Daniel (Cierra), Tanetta (Brandon), Tyler (Leah), Brittnie, Holli, Haley, Blake II, Ta’Mirra, Kailynn, Racheal, Mark Jr., Timothy, Daniel, Jason, John, David, Darell, Roselyn, Ranone, Abraham III, Roselyn, Bianca, Jasmine, Monica, Jasmine, Jayla, Kyle, Ryan, Jade, Brooke, Marquel, Madison, Ciara, and Kianna; great grandchildren, Aunesti, Harmoni, Sirinity, Houston, Savannah, Carmari, Annistynn, Arrisynn, Dreyah, Deondre Jr,, Daelin, Jovie, Aria, Liam, Peyton; 8 siblings, Edgar Kenner, Queen Esther (Horace) McGlone-Hollier, Marilyn Carter, Dolores (Charles) Graham, Ephraim Kenner Jr., David Kenner, James Kenner, and Robert (Beverly) Kenner; many nieces and nephews and great grandchildren, and honorary niece Bonnie (Tony) Smith.
Abraham was a pastor through Pentecostal Assemblies of the World for over 50 years, and evangelized everywhere he went. He pastored along with his wife, Janice Kenner, at Christ Temple Church until his retirement in 2017. Abraham enjoyed spending time at the local Friendly Senior Citizen Center, and often boasted about new hobbies: card playing, group trips, and basket-making all at 87 years old. He was most happy when his home was filled with his grandchildren and parents, who have gleaned from his knowledge all of their lives and is left to cherish his endless love.
A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 1, at the First Church of God, 1000 E. Brown Avenue in Bellefontaine, where a funeral service will begin at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be in Bellefontaine Cemetery in Bellefontaine, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fraternal Order of Police Hi-Point Lodge #60, P.O. Box 277, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Kenner family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.