Kenneth Bales Obituary

Kenneth Ray Bales - August 8, 1939 – January 22, 2026

Kenneth Ray Bales, born August 8, 1939 in Dublin, Texas, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 22, 2026 after leading a full and happy life.

Kenneth was the eldest son of Margaret and Mitchell Bales. He graduated from Iredell High School and attended Tarleton State University and Texas A&M. On September 30, 1961, he married Laverne Bales and they lived together in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for 32 years before moving to Hico, TX where they lived for the last 33 years. They have three sons; Halbert, Weldon, and Stephen.

Kenneth spent many years as a self-employed custom home-builder until joining the workforce at General Dynamics in Fort Worth. He later worked for Bell Helicopter and LTV before going back to framing houses. In 1993, he and Laverne moved to Hico and built a home there where they could fish in their stock ponds, have a large garden, and raise cattle.

Kenneth enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing with family and friends. He enjoyed time with his boys, grandkids, cows, and dogs. He enjoyed riding his tractor and watching his crops grow.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Mitchell Bales. He is survived by his wife, Laverne; sons, Halbert and wife Jeannie of Haltom City; Weldon and wife Frances of Granbury; and Stephen; as well as his grandchildren, Julie Thompson and husband John; Caitlin Herguth and husband Peter; Jeff Bales and wife Ashley; Lauren Bales; and Trevor Bales; and great grandson, Jeremy Thompson. He is also survived by his three sisters, two brothers, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside Service: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at Noon

Fairy Cemetery

19505 FM1602

Hico, TX 76457