WEST FAIRLEE - Kenneth Ecly Dexter, 88, of West Fairlee, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 10, 2024, after a long battle with dementia.
Kenneth was born on October 30, 1935, to Floyd and Bessie (Minor) Dexter, of West Topsham, VT. He grew up in the Topsham area and graduated from Bradford Academy in 1955. Kenneth then went on to lead a distinguished military career for 25 years, beginning with joining the Army National Guard from Nov 1954-Jan 1956, Army RA from Jan 1956-Jan 1959, US Army Reserve Jan 1959-Jan 1962 returning to Army RA Jan 1962 retiring Sergeant First Class E-7 in June 1979. His service took him to many parts of the world including; Fort Dix, NJ, Aberdean Proving Grounds, MD, Rochefort, France, Fort Knox, KY, Fort Sill, OK, Fort Devens, MA, Fort Hood, TX, Erlangen, Babenhausen, Schweinfurt and Aschaffenberg, Germany. Kenneth also served his country in Vietnam from September 1966 to September 1967.
On August 20th, 1966, he married Beverly (Clark) eventually settling in West Fairlee VT after retiring from the military.
After retiring from the military Kenneth worked at Bradford Veneer and Panel, Billings Dairy and Simon Pearce retiring fully in 2001. Kenneth was also involved with the American Legion Post 79 in Thetford VT and the Upper Valley Snow Packers,
Kenneth is survived by his wife Beverly of 58 years, his sons Steven of West Fairlee VT, Kevin (Amy) of West Fairlee VT and daughter Pamela of Bradford VT. His grandchildren, Heather, Morgan, Chelsey, Zachary, Chris and Julie. (Kenneth very much enjoyed walking his grandchildren to elementary school in the mornings). Four sisters, Leona Spooner of Rowe MA, Phyllis Berthiaume of Mumford AL, Lorraine Carbino of Thetford Center VT and Beverly (Russell) Vaughan of East Thetford VT.
Kenneth was pre-deceased by his parents and one sister Dorothy Dyke of West Lebanon NH
A graveside service is planned for June 8th at 3 pm at the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in North Thetford VT with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:
American Legion Post 79
2684 Vt-113
Thetford Center VT 05075
Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home, 187 Upper Plain in Bradford.
Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at
www.halefuneralhomes.com