Kenneth Ivan Crymes - Obituary & Service Details

Kenneth Ivan Crymes

Visitation Schedule

First United Methodist Church

Church and Jefferson Street

Mountain View, AR 72560

Saturday, March 15, 2025

1:00-2:00 PM

Map & Directions

Service Schedule

First United Methodist Church

Church and Jefferson ST.

Mountain View, AR 72560

Saturday, March 15, 2025

2:00 PM

Map & Directions

Cemetery

Big Springs Cemetery

Big Springs Road

Newnata, AR 72680

Map & Directions

Kenneth Ivan Crymes

of Mountain View, AR

January 22, 1937 - March 11, 2025

KENNETH IVAN CRYMES

Kenneth Ivan Crymes, 88, of Mountain View, Arkansas passed away on Tuesday, March 11. Kenneth was born in Newnata, AR, January 22, 1937 to the late Austin and Tiny Long Crymes.
Stone County was home to Kenneth Crymes, who lived here all his life except for a two-year stint in the U.S. Army. He was a big brother to Wanda Mae and to Dwain who married Janice Webb and raised three sons. Raised at Newnata, he attended Oak Grove School, Big Springs School, then he graduated from Timbo High School where he along with Jimmy Anderson played basketball from Peanut days through high school. It was while he was in the Army at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO that he learned how to drive big trucks and operate equipment. The skill of truck driving and running equipment was an asset he later used in the Arkansas Forestry Service and while hauling big equipment for McClung's Equipment.

When Kenneth married his soulmate Connie Harkleroad on July 5, 1963, he was working for Richard Brewer as a body man until he was promoted to parts. It was there he met mechanics Roy and Melvin Wrinkle who were accomplished musicians on the side. Roy made Kenneth a washtub bass and taught him how to play it. His cousin, Danny Ray Crymes said, ''In the beginning, Kenneth wore the hide off his fingers, but it grew back good and thick''. The Wrinkles played guitar and mandolin with Seth Mize on the fiddle and Kenneth on the tub. They didn't have a name for their group, but they played the Hootenanny in the courtroom and on the square and at home pickin's. The group became regulars at the Folk Center when it opened and Kenneth would also emcee and call square dances.

Kenneth spent his work career with the Arkansas Forestry Service as a firefighter, where Kenneth, as Smokey the Bear, not only educated about wildfires, but he also appeared on many Folk Festival floats as Smokey.

Kenneth was involved for many years with the American Legion, serving as the Commander of Alfred Hinkle Post #43 when it was still located at the end of Main Street. For many years, in the evenings for a couple of weeks before Memorial Day, he and Connie placed flags, furnished by local chapters of American Legion and VFW, on the graves of veterans in cemeteries around the county. In addition to his involvement with the American Legion and VFW, he was also a Scottish Rite 32nd Degree Mason. When the Jaycees organized in 1969, Kenneth became a member and he helped build a baseball park that has grown into the Sports Complex of Mountain View.

He and Connie became Charter members of the Stone County Historical Society when it formed in 1972. They became more involved when the primary building was purchased for use as the Stone County Museum and continued to be actively involved until health issues kept him from returning.

Kenneth was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church where he was the first to greet you every Sunday morning and usher you inside. He served on many committees and helped wherever asked. He loved to travel but did not fly. They made it to most of Canada and to every state except Hawaii. He said, ''when they build that bridge, he'd be the first one crossing''. They especially enjoyed travelling in caravans with good friends Loy and Freda Massey, Danny Ray and Bonnie Crymes, with Kenneth and Connie bringing up the rear.

In 2024, Kenneth and Connie received the Distinguished Citizens award from the Chamber of Commerce for their lifelong commitment of love and service to Stone County and its way of life. Kenneth was also recognized in a special ceremony by Stone Bank for his service in the U.S. Army.

Kenneth is survived by Connie Harkleroad Crymes, his wife of 61 years; his brother, Dwain (Janice) and his nephews, Daniel (Lynnette), Toby (Angela) and Bart (Jessica) and their children. He was blessed by the loving care of these special ladies: Thelma Fletcher, Patty Miller, Faye Tindall and Gloria Williams and the many friends that he made throughout his life.

Visitation for Mr. Kenneth Crymes is Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 1:00-2:00PM at First United Methodist Church in Mountain View, Arkansas. Funeral services will follow the visitation beginning at 2:00PM with Brother Randy Long and Toby Crymes officiating. Kenneth will be laid to rest at Big Springs Cemetery in Newnata, Arkansas.

Pallbearers are Daniel Crymes, Toby Crymes, Bart Crymes, Darren Crymes, Trenton Crymes, Blake Crymes, Ellie Crymes, Treavor Crymes, Mason Crymes, William Crymes, Sydney Crymes, Syler Crymes and Zach Crymes.
Honorary pallbearers are Mountain View Volunteer Fire Department and Arkansas State Forestry Service.

Roller Crouch Funeral Home in Mountain View, Arkansas is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials can be sent to Stone County Historical Society, P.O. Box 210, Mountain View, AR 72560 or to Big Springs Cemetery Fund, 1429 Oak Grove Loop, Newnata, AR 72680.

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13 Condolence(s)

William Stroud

Mountain , View, AR

Kenneth was a man who enjoyed life and spread that joy around his community. He brought laughs and knowledge as Smoky the Bear, smiles as a greeter and usher at church, applause from an audience at the Folk Center whether playing his tub or from calling for the square dancers on stage. He participated and he helped wherever he was involved whether at the ballpark, the museum, the church, the firefighters, or with the Shriners or the Jaycees. He and Connie opened their cabin to strangers that became lifetime friends, to musicians for pickins' or to friends and family for weddings. Generous to a fault. He was a veteran who shared his love of country with his fellow man. Kenneth was a good Uncle, a Patriot, a Volunteer, a hard worker. Dependable. His spirit will live on through the good works he left behind. But he will be missed. Thank you, Kenneth Crymes, for being part of our lives. Rest in Peace. Love, Jim & Robbie