Kenneth William Gant, Sr., 79

August 09, 2013

Kenneth William Gant, Sr., more affectionately known as “Kay,” 79, of Lancaster, PA, was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 9, 2013. He was the devoted husband of Barbara Sharrock Gant and they celebrated 58 years of marriage May 21, 2013. Born in Lancaster, Kenneth was the son of the late George Spicer and Edith K. Wise Gant.

He had worked at the Smith Foundry in Smoketown, PA, from 1962 to 1995, retiring in 1995 after 33 years of employment. In the mid 50’s, he shined shoes at Tony’s shoeshine parlor.

A lifelong, faithful member of South Christian Street Mennonite Church (currently: Crossroads Mennonite Church), Kay enjoyed viewing boxing and tennis matches and spending time with his family, especially the grand and great grandchildren. He enjoyed driving his various Cadillacs and, in his younger years, Kay enjoyed playing baseball.

Surviving in addition to his loving wife are eight children: Kenneth Gant, Jr., Michael Gant, husband of Abadella, Jerry Gant, Curtis Gant, husband of Christine, Mark Gant, Yohonda Dixon, all of Lancaster, Barbara A. Gant, E. Petersburg, and Latonya Dixon, Reading; 14 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; two nieces, Doralene Govan, Lancaster, and Charleslena Govan, Philadelphia; two foster daughters, Shannon Evans Butler and Esther Williams, both of Lancaster; two sisters Yvonne Alford, Philadelphia, and Delores Stewart, Lancaster; one brother, Harold Gant, husband of Elizabeth, Lancaster. Kenneth was preceded in death by a stepfather, William H. Gant; three sisters, Behula Hudson, Hilda Stewart and Alberta Govan King; a brother, Henry Gant.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Kenneth’s Life Celebration Funeral Service at 12 Noon on Saturday, August 17, 2013, at Crossroads Mennonite Church, 401 Church Street, Lancaster, PA, 17602, with Pastor Vincent Whitman, officiating. Kenneth will be laid to rest in Mellinger’s Mennonite Cemetery, Lancaster. There will be a viewing at the church on Saturday from 10 A.M. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Kay’s name to Crossroads Mennonite Church Youth Group.