Kenneth Depriest, Jr.

Kenneth Orville DePriest, Jr. was born on April 5, 1944, in Denver, Colorado to his parents, Kenneth Orville DePriest, Sr. and Thelma T. Rose DePriest. He was the second child born in the family. Growing up in Denver, Kenneth loved to fish and hunt. He was often tasked with the job of running to catch the two run away mules named Jack and Pete. A fond memory often told by Kenneth was of him playing football and breaking his leg and after that, being hit by a car and breaking his other leg; both legs broken at the same time. Kenneth received his formal education in Denver where he attended East High School. On July 23, 1979, Kenneth united in holy matrimony to the former Cheryl McNeal. They first met while attending a social gathering. Cheryl reflects, "We met on a blind date and it was love at first site and we never parted." To this union, Dedric, Tomicka, and Lonell were born. The family shared many happy and precious moments together. He was later blessed with eleven grandchildren who affectionately called him "Pops or Papa" and fondly remember him watching re-runs of "Forest Gump" and "Grumpier Old Men." They remember his jokes about "grandma," him making his famous Chili, and him teaching them to fish. He was also an avid Denver Bronco fan. By profession, Kenneth worked as a Landscaper and Gardner. He also worked in Demolition with his father, Kenneth, Sr. In addition, he worked for Anderson and Eagle Wrecking. In December of 1985, Kenneth officially opened his own landscaping company called, Kenny's Landscaping. This was a crowning moment in his life. He was proud and happy to now be his own boss. He worked hard at perfecting his craft and eventually added snow removal to the services he offered. A man of faith and belief in the Lord, Kenneth was a member of Unity COGIC. He served his church and the Lord under the pastoral leadership of Superintendent Lamar Kennedy, whom he loved and respected. He loved the fellowship with his church family and he was able to connect with many of his longtime brothers in Christ. Kenneth was a fun loving man who enjoyed life and those he encircled. In his free time, he enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing; his favorite fish were Blue Gill, Crappie, Bass, Perch, and Carp, but he is most remembered for gigantic Catfish. He also had the best garden this side of Steele Street! Kenneth was a man who never met a stranger and a friend to many. "Who, but I can say I have had a friend since first grade," stated Kevin Longwell, and Marilyn VanDerbur expressed, "There is a thin line between laughter and tears." He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this wonderful, kind and strong man. To know Kenneth was to love him. Kenneth Orville DePriest, Jr. departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on May 3, 2015, in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include his loving and devoted wife, Cheryl L. DePriest of Denver; 5 sons, Kevin DePriest of Denver, Dedrick D. (Jessica) DePriest, Rosenburg, TX, Lonell A. DePriest, James Hicks and Kelly Hicks; 1 ¬daughter, Tomicka D. DePriest; 1 brother, Keith Brazwell; 1 sister, Edith M. Lewis all of Denver; his mother-in-law, Minnie McNeal; 11 grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 5/14/2015 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 5/15/2015 at 10:00 AM - Unity Church Of God In Christ - 2428 Ogden Street , Denver, CO
Cemetery: 5/15/2015 - Following the Service St. Simeon Cemetery - 22001 Colorado 30 Aurora, CO