Kenneth Freeden Naucler

Kenny was born November 4, 1958, in Fontana, California, son of Philip Edwin Naucler & Lorraine Leone LaBonte Naucler.

Kenny and family lived in Indio until age of 7 when his family moved to Fontana. He attended St Joseph’s Academy, Alder Jr High and Fontana High School (Fo Hi). Kenny started showed an interest in music at an early age and played the saxophone in Junior High. At Fo Hi, Kenny perfected his talent & love of music by playing several horn instruments in marching band, honors band & stage band. Kenny graduated from Fontana High School in 1976.

Kenny learned Spanish in junior high and continued studying Spanish at Fo High. Not stopping there, Kenny continued to perfect his Spanish learning more at his railroad job in Yuma, Arizona and continued perfecting his authentic accent throughout his life. Even as recent as our latest trip to Mexico which was Oct 2024, he asked a waiter what “Si Como No” meant in Spanish, and from then on, he was announced at the restaurant “Si Como No” with affection. He loved the expression on the faces of Spanish speakers when he would say whole sentences in Spanish with the correct accent, and he was endeared to them for trying. He also sang a nursery rhyme in Spanish that he knew every chance he got, and most often the person would join in in Spanish to much joy and laughter.

Kenny had a longstanding affection for automobiles, which began at 3 or so with a pedal fire engine and continued on when his grandfather allowed him to drive his Buick in an open field at the age of approximately ten. His love for cars continued throughout his life. As one story goes, Dad caught Kenny once sneaking in with the keys to dad’s car after an impromptu drive in the wee morning hours, as Kenny so quietly sneaked in, only to find dad sitting in the living room chair. As the story was told, not much was said, but Kenny never did that again as he had great respect & love for his dad. His dad gave him his first car at 16 years old & he bought his first car – a 1973 blue Camaro at 17. Throughout his life, Kenny would purchase several cars and eventually would own his beloved classic car - a 1939 Shark Nose Graham. Kenny entered his Graham in several car shows and won several awards, even being chosen as the lead car for Route 66 one particular year.

Kenny followed in his dad & uncle’s footsteps becoming a lifelong career railroad guy, learning several different roles but eventually becoming a well-respected corridor manager. Kenny was well liked/loved by many of the employees, management and workers. Kenny retired from railroad service after 44 years of service due to health concerns.

After retiring, Kenny married his next-door neighbor, Cindy. They became each other's true loves. Kenny formed several lasting friendships throughout his life and stayed in touch with as many as he could. Also traveled with many friends to timeshares in Mexico, Tennessee, Alaska, Oregon and local road trips to Yosemite and Napa. Kenny also loved his family with his whole heart, and spent many happy times with sister, Lisa, niece, Aubrey, nephew Austin and Austin’s wife Taylor. If any of them needed anything, Kenny was there to help! Kenny spent many hours with Cindy’s family as well, including many visits to help with Cindy’s father as his health declined and with Cindy’s mom, Joan, cousins, and children.

Kenny’s favorite restaurant was Hickory Ranch in Yucaipa. He loved a good steak or prime rib, ribs, barbecue and he made a mean crock pot stew. Many restaurants became our hangouts for good food, good friends and celebrations. Art’s bar and grill in Riverside was a favorite for Taco Tuesdays and because it had a history with his stepmom and dad going there frequently. The Cliff in Laguna was another favorite – especially with live music! Law’s, Ancho’s, Butch’s Grinders, Brandon’s and Spaghetti Factory were all favorites in Riverside.

Kenny and Cindy lived life to the fullest as evidenced by travels, cooking, pool parties, restaurant hopping, family gatherings, celebrations , playing in the yard with Dale, JJ and Lady, road trips, phone calls to friends, watching Jeopardy every night & getting most of the answers right, telling stories, laughing a lot, enjoying music, going to concerts and railroad retirement breakfasts, and genuinely enjoying life! With regards to Jeopardy, sister Lisa would often join for game watching night and the competition was on! Kenny knew a lot about music – lots of trivia regarding band name, band members names, instruments they played, and stories related to the music. When Kenny didn’t know the words, his sister Lisa and wife Cindy would fill in the lyrics and he would tell the story. So much fun! Some of Kenny’s favorite artists include Eagles, Doobie Brothers, Richard Marx, Ed Sheeran, Dave Matthews, Lover Boy, Foreigner, Styx, Joe Bonamassa and many others.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents Philip and Lorraine and older brother Philip.

Kenny is survived by his stepmother Laura, beloved wife, Cindy, Cindy’s children Chris & Caleb, sister Lisa, and Lisa’s children Aubrey, Austin & Austin’s wife Taylor.

For those who are interested please wear blue in Kenny's honor