Kevin Kenneth Stephen Canfield's Obituary
Kevin Kenneth Stephen Canfield, age 70, of Springdale, Arkansas, passed into Glory with his Savior unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep on November 23, 2022, while on vacation with his family in Bradenton Beach, Florida. He was born on January 26, 1952, in Mishawaka, Indiana, to loving parents, Joseph and Rita (Kuhn) Canfield. He was the youngest of seven children and was adored by siblings, Jeanie, Josie, Christine, Maureen, Bill, and Karen who affectionately teased him, “Kevin, Kevin, number seven; surely he will go to heaven!” Kevin lived a picturesque childhood playing neighborhood wiffle ball, football, basketball and “gray willie” from dawn until dusk with his enduring friends Tom Creevey and Tommy Nix. Kevin was a gifted athlete, excelling at football, basketball and track. He graduated from Ball State University where he played wide receiver on the football team. He was most honored when he received awards for his athletic accomplishments along with his scholarship, sportsmanship, and positive attitude. No one was surprised when Kevin was inducted in the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2000. Kevin had deep gratitude for his athletic gifts and enjoyed exercising and shooting hoops with his friends at the Fayetteville Athletic Club until the very end.
At Ball State University he met a beautiful cheerleader, Brenda Sue Heathcoat, and quickly asked her to be his wife; she would be his greatest and lifelong cheerleader. They were married on June 22, 1974 in Kokomo, Indiana. Kevin and Brenda had a remarkable marriage they worked tirelessly to cultivate; they were a beautiful balance, smoothing each other’s rough edges and enjoying life together. Kevin described Brenda as “Sara Lee”, because nobody doesn’t like Sara Lee! He truly enjoyed his time with Brenda whether they were traveling to Israel to understand Jesus’ life more intimately or sitting on the porch in Indiana with Mike and Toni Rethlake looking at the stars and lightning bugs. Kevin and Brenda have two daughters, Stacey (Russell) and Paige (Canfield Grunnagle) that were raised with love, support, and an undying belief that they could do anything to which they committed. Kevin made his daughters feel safe, loved, and courageous. Kevin took on a new role 13 years ago when his first grandchild was born. He quickly excelled at being “Poppi” and delighted in helping his grandchildren with school work and playing basketball, wiffle ball, and football with them. He never tired of doing good, was always looking for the best in people and life and he encouraged his family to do the same.
Kevin had a 37 year career in sales with Procter & Gamble until his retirement in 2011. He was given the William Procter Sales Master Award for doing his job with the most skill and effectiveness. At work, Kevin was known for the same things as in the rest of his life: dedication, skill, intelligence, kindness, fun, and integrity.
Throughout his life, Kevin served the community by leading Bible studies for adults, college athletes, high school students, and most recently elementary children. He was passionate about history and especially political history; he was determined to learn and share the truth of these topics in his blog, View from the Middle. He was actively involved in politics and served with the School Choice initiative for the state of Arkansas. He was a member of New Heights Church in Fayetteville, AR, where he was fervently growing in his spiritual reliance upon Jesus in weekly studies, prayer, and service. He believed fully in the sovereignty of God and his need for Jesus as his savior.
He was preceded in death by his wonderful parents Joseph and Rita Canfield and beautiful sisters Christine Larimer and Maureen Bultink.
Kevin is survived by his wife of 48 years, Brenda Sue Canfield; daughters, Stacey Marie Russell and husband Steven of Edmond, OK; Paige Canfield Grunnagle and husband Robin of Fayetteville, AR; grandchildren, Titus Daniel Russell, Violet Jean Russell, Tabitha Joy Russell, Abraham Maxwell Russell, and Fitz Canfield Grunnagle; siblings, Jo Marie Hogan, Jean Mammolenti, Bill Canfield, and Karen Durrett.
Funeral services will be Saturday, December 3rd at Fellowship Bible Church in Fayetteville (address: 3447 AR-112, Fayetteville, AR 72704) with Jim Hall officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville. Visitation will be the same day from 1:00pm until the service time at 2:00pm at Fellowship Bible Church. In lieu of flowers, Kevin and the family welcome gifts to New Heights Church, https://www.newheightschurch.com/give.
To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements are by Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville, AR.
What’s your fondest memory of Kevin?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kevin?
Share a story where Kevin's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kevin you’ll never forget.
How did Kevin make you smile?
