Kenneth Ray Woolbright, 64, of Greenwood, Arkansas passed quietly into the arms of Jesus on May 22, 2015. He was born to Rayburn and Geneva Woolbright in Wynne, Arkansas in 1950. He served in the army for 6 years finding his calling in the military police while in Germany. He became an Ogle County Sheriff’s Deputy and found love with a police dispatcher who became his wife of 39 years. Ken joined the Rochelle, Illinois police department in 1979. Ken blossomed as a detective with his best partner and lifelong friend Rick Olson. They served under Winston Brass, chief of Police in Rochelle, Illinois and gained the respect and admiration of all those who knew them. Professionally they were wholly dedicated to serve and protect but they never failed to inject humor and compassion. People whom Ken had arrested often thanked him later for helping to straighten out their lives. Ken and Rick’s unique style of law enforcement was a testament to their true character. They held themselves to high standards because of their faith in the Lord and believing that to serve was paramount. Ken and Rick protected the people of Rochelle just as they did their own families. When Ken was chosen as Chief in 2001, Rick had already become the Chief of Police in Sandwich, Illinois. After serving as the Chief of Police Rick became Mayor of Sandwich and enlisted Ken’s help as interim Police Chief in 2013 until a permanent replacement was hired.
Ken and Rick’s almost daily communication will never end; it is ingrained in the heart. Ken was proud of his team in the Rochelle police department. Rob Buck, his assistant chief had been a friend since he was 15 years old. Together they implemented the most approachable police department with insistence that officers walk downtown and know who they were serving; this also allowed the community to know each officer in a personal manner. Ken’s personal secretary, Rene Smith-Schwartz along with communications supervisor Sandy Sullivan proved invaluable to him. Their professionalism, enthusiasm and fun loving natures lifted the spirit of the department on a daily basis.
Ken’s family migrated to Arkansas to be nearer to Dad’s advice and wisdom. Carla is honored and thankful to have been his wife for 39 years. Daughter Monica with husband Jason Freeman presented Ken with Dakotah, 18, Delaney, 17 and Mackenzie, 13. Recently Ken attended Dakotah’s graduation from Bentonville High School. They reside in Bella Vista, Arkansas. Son Clint and Kristin (Mosbarger) Woolbright waited a few years to give Pop his grandson Shannon, 5. Shannon spent Ken’s last day on earth helping Ken make poker decisions before falling asleep, cuddled on his lap.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Kenneth Ray Jr. and Nathaniel and by one grandson, Noah. Ken was of the Christian faith.
We would like to thank Mercy Hospital of Fort Smith trauma and intensive care units and Dr. Matthew Dupree, Dr. Rodney Beasley and Dr. Kurt Mehl, Greg Fluitt, Sergio, Mary, Erica, Miranda and Sandy for giving Ken and us such loving care and spiritual support. We would also like to thank the Chaplin’s, Chris and Elliot and all who touched our lives. Dr. Beasley treated Ken as his brother and we love him for this and being a brother in Christ.
Family visitation will be from 10:00AM till 12:30PM, Thursday, May 28, 2015 with the service to begin at 12:30 at Ocker-Putman Funeral Home Chapel of Fort Smith, Arkansas; burial with military honors will follow the service at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith.
A memorial service in the Rochelle/Sandwich area is planned in the near future.
In lieu of flowers cards with your memories of Ken are welcomed.
Online tributes may be made at www.ockerputmanfuneralhome.com

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