Paradise Funeral Home Celebrates the Life of MR. KENNETH WILBUR WESLEY
--------------------------------------
God hath not promised skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through, God hath not promised sun without rain, joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God hath promised strength for the day, Rest for the labor, light for the way, Grace for the trials, help from above, Unfailing sympathy, and undying love.
---------------------------------------------------
On behalf of Ronald B. Washington and the entire Paradise Funeral Home Family, we extend our deepest condolences to
THE WESLEY FAMILY and we thank you for entrusting us with your loved one. May the blessings of the Lord keep you is our prayer. #WhenOnlyTheBestWillDo
Kenneth Wesley, better known to family and friends as “Kenny” was a Christian, a role-model for many, and a mentor to thousands. He was born the fifth of six siblings to the late Mr. and Mrs. Oscar and Georgia Gray Wesley. He graduated from Crawford High School in 1963, Arcadia, LA and further studied at Grambling College.
He was united in matrimony to Barbara Jackson and to this union two children were born: Beverly Crawford (Kerry) Simsboro, LA and Patrick Wesley (Monica) Shreveport, LA.
Later in life he married Lula Bradford and acquired an additional loving son, Sheddrick. He was also blessed with four grandchildren and one great-grandson.
He was an active member of the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, vice-president of the usher board and mentor to the youth of the church.
Within his law enforcement career, his list of credentials, education, training, awards, honors, and achievements is lengthy. He attended and graduated from Northeast Louisiana Delta Law Enforcement Academy in Monroe, LA, and Firearms Transitional School.
He was a member of the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association, Magnolia Peace Officers’ Association, Boys and Girls Club of Louisiana and Evangelist Lodge #144 Grambling, Louisiana.
He served for forty-three (43) years with the Lincoln Parish Sheriff Department and was the first black to receive a promotion to investigator and later promoted to Chief Investigator, making history under the leadership of former Sheriff Wayne Houck. He was later promoted by Sheriff Mike Stone as Commander of Operations and again promoted to Special Assistant to the Sheriff in 2014. He was also an Honorary Assistant District Attorney with the 3rd Judicial District Lincoln and Union parishes.
Kenneth started a new chapter in his life on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, known as RETIREMENT from the Lincoln Parish Sheriff Department. He laid down his law enforcement weapon (his gun), badge, boots, and cowboy hat. However, make it known, he did not lay down the almighty weapon, THE HOLY BIBLE!!!
Kenneth attributed his success and diverse accolades to his strong beliefs: “YOU do the possible and let God do the impossible” and “YOU are blessed to be a blessing.”
Kenneth also lived by these words in law enforcement, “I always get my man!” His biblical quote was “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” -Matthew 5:16
He is preceded in death by three brothers, Lugene Moore, Charles Wesley Sr., Iveale Wesley, and five sisters, Dorothy Ann Wesley, Eudene Vernon, Clyde Brackens, Gladys Wesley Wells, Arlena Rogers and one son, Sheddrick Bradford.
Cherishing his memory always will be a host of family, friends, and community, including his loving wife of 41 years, Lula Bradford-Wesley; two children, Beverly Wesley Crawford (Kerry) and Patrick Fitzgerald Wesley (Monica); one sister, Mary Alice Thomas (James, deceased) Wichita, KS; two brothers, Willie Wesley (Ada) and Jimmie Wesley, Wichita, KS; four grandchildren; Ashley Crawford Cleveland (Chevese) Simsboro, LA, Joshua Claville, Dallas, TX, Kerry Duran Crawford, II, Simsboro, LA, and Andre’ Davenport, Ruston, LA; one great grandchild, Cade Dillon Cleveland; one Godchild, Alexia Perkins, Dallas, TX; and, a host of nieces, nephews and many, many other relatives, friends, and former co-workers.