Kenneth Eugene Ishmael

Born on The Wrong Side of the Tracks in the sandhills of northeastern Oklahoma to Minnie Holt Ishmael and Stanley Eugene Ishmael was one of the most influential and inspiring pentecostal preachers who ever took the pulpit.

Kenneth Eugene Ishmael grew up tuning in to the Grand Ole Opry every Friday night and it was then that his passion for music was birthed. His affinity for pickin' and grinnin' led him into the honky tonk scene and opened the door for him to meet the love of his life, Janis. What started at The Birdcage Nightclub in Tulsa generated a rich marriage of 63 years. Together, not only did they produce more than five vinyl records and three CD's, but also their greatest joys: Gary Dale, Jerry Don, Scott and Bret.

God had a plan far greater than any show Kenneth ever headlined and began tugging on his heart. Soon, he found himself breaking into a church where Touching Jesus was all that mattered. The beautiful gift of singing, song writing, and playing music didn't end after the trip to that Old-Fashioned Altar, it had only begun. Kenneth traveled Dusty Roads all over the countryside with his family and close friends singing Country Gospel.

He entered pastoral ministry where God used him powerfully to preach the Word to anyone, friend or stranger, who walked through the doors. Throughout his time at Freedom, he also became a biker through Circuit Riders. You could catch him Rolling With The Flow and running around on his trike every weekend.

Kenneth's life was rich, and he soaked up every opportunity. A husband, a father, a grandpa, a Poppy, a brother, a writer, a cowboy, and so much more to so many people -he excelled at all of them.

From his time on the mic, he sand, "When my street turns to gold, I'll know I'm home." Well done, good and faithful servant. Welcome home to Glory.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Janis Springer Ishmael; his children: Jerry Don and Jayme Brundridge of Canton, Scott and Christy Ishmael of Edgewood, Bret Ishmael of Canton; his grandchildren: Phillip Brundridge of Canton, Ashley and Daniel Langley of Edgewood, Payton and Jake Smith of Melissa, Kelsey and Brandon Bear of Princeton, Landon Ishmael of Grand Saline; eight great grandchildren: Sydney, Riley, River, Ryder, Owinn, Holdt, Mox, Trenton; and a host of friends and extended family.