Kenneth Lee Brashears, 92 of Mannford, Oklahoma passed away on Wednesday July 3, 2024 in Cleveland, OK.

Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service of Sand Springs has been entrusted with Ken's services and the family will have a private service at a later date.

Ken was born on May 13, 1932 in Mannford, Oklahoma to Clarence and Eva (Giles) Brashears. He would graduate from Mannford High School. On January 21, 1953 Ken would marry the love of his life, Betty Jo Boone, whom he had met in grade school years before. She would be his bride for 64 years until her passing in 2021.

In 1953, Ken was drafted into the US Army, serving in Korea. While in the Army, he played softball. He was the star pitcher for the 21st Station Hospital team. He was even called the "unbeatable softball pitcher" by local military media outlets.

While in Korea, he came across a young boy, about 12 years old, that was living in a garbage dump. Ken couldn't stand the thought of this little boy living like this so he got with the Chaplain and they arranged to have the little boy taken to an orphanage where he would be better cared for.

After his discharge from the Army, Ken did a few different things. He was a real estate developer through the 1960's in Mannford. One such development was the area now known as Kennyville Road. This road was named after him. In 1970, he became a thoroughbred horse trainer. He raced horses in New York for several years and was very successful. He then went into breeding horses with Frank Schad. They had a farm in Oilton, OK. He could sit and talk about horses for hours.

After his retirement, he enjoyed a quiet life at home with Betty. He also began to play music. He and his friend, Benny Varnell, decided Mannford needed some entertainment and decided to form a band with some other local friends. They would play music at the community center every Saturday evening. Admission was always free. They also played at a few different venues around the area. Ken loved to play music and practiced at home any chance he got. He would also have regular jam sessions at his house with anyone that wanted to join.

Survivors include his two sons, Steve and his wife Brenda Brashears, and Mark Brashears; his sister, Carol Robbins; five grandchildren, Rachel Rivers (Tharon), Renee Patrick, Deitrik Brashears, Christy Stephens (Ed), Richard Matthews (Grace); eight great grandchildren, Kristen Reese (Hunter), Joseph Rivers, Bryce Patrick, Ethan Patrick, Mayah Brashears, Lauren LaCasse, Kaitlin Shields and Colton Stephens.

Ken was preceded in death by his wife Betty, his parents, a brother, Don Brashears; two sisters, Beth Gilreath and Glenda Morgan.