Kenneth Bearden

Kenneth Ray Bearden, 61, of Commerce, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 5, 2016.  He was born December 20, 1954 in Sulphur Springs, Texas to James Dudley Bearden and Christine George Bearden.

Kenneth graduated from Cumby High School in 1973.  He was then hired by his brother-in-law, Kenneth Cummings to work at the Sonic Drive-in as the assistant manager.  He  then continued a lifelong career with Sonic and the Winterringer family, aka: Wintco. Known around town and to his employees as "KB",  he took great pride in running the drive-in and always hoped he was teaching good work ethics to the many teenagers who worked for him.  His employees meant the world to him.  Many remained good friends to him for the 42 years he has been there.  Kenneth was kindhearted and generous.  He loved to help the schools, churches and other organizations with their fundraisers, donating whatever he could to help.  He was a simple man who loved sitting and playing his guitar, country music, Nascar racing and most of all his family and friends.

Kenneth is survived by his wife of almost 43 years, Carolyn; daughters Robin Nabers and husband, Justin of Commerce, Wendi Humphries and husband, Charles of Cumby and son Brine Bearden and wife, Becky of Cumby; grandchildren Taylor, Landon and Hannah Nabers, Grayson Humphries and Tyler, Lizzie and Blake Bearden; his sisters Vicky Betz, Laurie Brown and husband, Erik; niece Andrea Hood and husband, Randall and great-nephew Caleb Garcia.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dudley and Christine Bearden.

Serving as pallbearers for Kenneth are Steven Smith, Johnny Petty, Russell Caldwell, Dale Crumpton, Landon Nabers, and Tyler Crumpton.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Brashear Baptist Church, 5074 FM 3389 Brashear, Texas 75420.

A visitation for Mr. Kenneth Bearden will be held Monday, May 9 from 5 - 7 p.m. at Commerce Funeral Home, 1505 Washington St., Commerce.  A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 10 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 1401 Washington St., Commerce.  Interment will follow at Cumby Cemetery.