Wesley Dean Kennel was born September 6, 1940, in Beaver Crossing, Nebraska.  He was the fifth of seven children born to Ervin and Lucy (Cain) Kennel.
Wes attended a small country school near Friend, Nebraska.  He went to high school in Crete, Nebraska, until 1955 when his family moved to a farm near Rock Port, Missouri. He finished high school there, graduating from Rock Port High School in 1957.
Wes married Suzanne Hunter June 9, 1963, in Fairfax, Missouri. They had two children, James (Jay), born in 1967 and Jeannette, born 1970. The couple lived in Fairfax until their divorce in 1979.
He began his career as a woodworker in the 1960’s, employed at several local factories. These included Fairfax Manufacturing Co., The Walnut Shop, and Armstrong Cabinets. In between factory jobs Wes was also an over-the-road truck driver.
All his life Wes loved the outdoors, enjoying hunting, fishing, and searching for mushrooms. He also enjoyed sports, his favorite teams being the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the Chiefs and the Royals. He took great pleasure in the Royals playing in the World Series two years in a row.
After retiring, Wes developed an interest in building musical instruments. A true craftsman, he built dulcimers, mandolins, ukuleles, and a 13-string lute.
He is survived by his sister, La Verna; son, James; daughter-in-law, Jean Anderson; son-in-law, Stanley Yates; and 13 nieces and nephews.
Wes was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Alfred, Clifton and Loyal; his sisters, Marlene and Wilma; and his daughter, Jeannette.
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Memorial services were held Sunday, April 22, 2018, at the Fairfax Presbyterian Church, Fairfax, with The Rev. Elaine Loggi officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Fairfax. Service arrangements were by Schooler Funeral Home, Fairfax/Craig.