Col. William E. Kevan

Colonel William E. Kevan 1921 - 2010 Colonel William Eugene Kevan was born on July 4, 1921 in Twin Falls and was ushered into His Father's presence on February 24, 2010. He was surrounded by his loving family in his home on the Salmon Tract in Twin Falls. Bill was the second son born to Kate Nicholson Kevan and Charles W. Kevan. He was raised and educated in Twin Falls, graduating from high school in 1939. Bill worked on the family farm from the time he was a young boy. After graduation he worked fora time in an airplane plant in California, enlisting in the Army immediately after Pearl Harbor. Bill graduated as a Flight Officer from pilot training with the class of 42J. During World War II he ferried planes in the United States and flew hospital planes in the Pacific Theater. When the war ended he returned to the farm. On February 9, 1947 he married the love of his life, Barbara Warner. They had 5 daughters and 63 wonderful, adventure-filled years together. Bill was recalled to the Air Force in 1952. In his military career he flew refueling tankers and desks for the next 20 years. He served as Squadron Commander and was the Vice Base Commander when he retired from the Air Force in 1972 as a full Colonel, once again returning to the farm he loved. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church where he held many offices. Bill served God in whatever capacity he was asked. He was always willing to do anything, no job was too small or too big for him. His daughters and grandchildren could always depend on his support in whatever they were doing. Due to his career in the Air Force, when his girls were growing up, he missed out on some of their activities, but more than made up for his absence when he got home. He never missed any of his grandchildren's activities and was blessed to have seen all of his grandchildren graduate from high school, most graduate from college, and his firstborn grandson graduate from flight school. Bill was active in 4-H for over 20 years, because that was what "his grandkids" wanted to do. At the age of 80, Bill was still wrestling steers. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ronald, Wayne, Robert, and James and sister Ferne Nielsen. Bill is survived by his loving wife Barbara, daughters Kay Kevan Callentine (Jim), Mary Kevan Allen (Rick) and Barbie Kevan Schaeffer, all of Twin Falls, and Jackie Kevan Drake (Jeff), Boise and Candie Kevan Vance (Dan) of Elko, NV. He is also survived by his brother Richard Kevan (Carmen) of Twin Falls; sisters-in-law Mary Clysdale (Jack), Esther Kevan and brother-in-law Bill Warner (Helen) and his grandchildren Aaron Kevan (Laura), Heather Sharkey (Vince), Brian Callentine (Amber), Brandon Callentine, Dr. Ryanne Walther (David), Ashley Olson (Danny), Korrie Hornbarger (Shawn), Michael Allen, Hailee Vance, Elizabeth Allen and Zach DeKruyf. He is also survived by 8 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Bill's love of God and his family was always evident by all who knew him. He was a loving husband, dad, papa and great-papa, loyal patriot, faithful friend and devoted Christian. He will be greatly missed until we are reunited with him in Heaven." Bill's saying was, "I'm fine and dandy", and now we know he truly is. Memorial services for Bill will be held at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. with longtime friend and Pastor, Pastor Ken Gould officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Magic Valley Christian School, 500 S. Lincoln, Jerome, ID 83338. Private Inurnment will be held at the Lava Hot Springs Cemetery in Lava Hot Springs, ID. All services and arrangements are under the direction of the Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home and Crematory of Twin Falls, Idaho. Those wishing to share condolences may do so at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.