Kenneth F. Wynn

On Saturday, September 29, 2018, Kenneth Franklin Wynn, our father, grandfather, husband and friend returned peacefully to his Heavenly Father after a short bout with cancer, surrounded by those who loved him the most.

He was born on May 24, 1936 in Thermopolis WY, to Harold and Lucy Wynn, the third of four children. Ken was raised throughout WY, where eventually he met and married Verna Jean Townsend on August 22, 1953. In that union, they had four children and were sealed together as a family in the Salt Lake temple on December 18, 1975.

Ken’s career took him and his family from Helena, MT to Bountiful, UT in October 1977, where he began his career as the Director of the Utah Department of Alcohol Beverage Control. Ken was considered “Mr. Liquor” for the next 30 years, while surviving four governors.

Ken directed the DABC through a tremendous growth period in Utah’s economy and population, and implemented many changes during his tenure. He was instrumental in bringing the DABC into the 21st Century. Under his leadership, the DABC bolstered the success of the 2002 Olympics, in administering the liquor laws, helping them work to meet the needs of the national and international community.

In 1999, Ken suffered the loss of his loving wife, Verna Jean. He struggled with this loss for a number of years, until finding love again when he met Jeanene Orr Nelson. They were married on May 3, 2008 and lived a wonderful life these last 10 years. Jeanene has been a true blessing to Ken and his family, embracing his children and grandchildren as her own. Her large family of 4 children and their spouses, 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren loved, respected and welcomed Ken warmly, bringing much happiness and laughter to his life.

Ken had an extremely generous heart and a love for his family, BYU football, good hot sauces and a disdain for any “candy ass” who couldn’t handle them.

Ken is survived by his wife, Jeanene; son, Trenton; daughter, Rachel; grandchildren, Cydnee, Zach (Alexis), Kelsee, Jake and Nick. He was happy and excited for the arrival of his first great-grandchild in April 2019.

He was preceded in death by his parents; older sister – Shirley; first wife – Verna Jean; and sons – David and Brian.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, October 6, 2018 at Russon Mortuary, 295 N Main, Bountiful, Utah.  Friends may call Friday, October 5, from 6-8 pm at Russon Mortuary, and from 1-1:45 pm on Saturday, prior to the funeral. Interment at Bountiful City Cemetery.

 “I lived, I died, and in the end, it was all a bunch of bullshit.” – Ken Wynn