Kennett Lyle Block

Kennett Lyle Block, 86, of New Martinsville, West Virginia passed away February 14, 2021, at Sunrise Hunter Mill in Vienna, Virginia.  He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, son of Marcel and Elizabeth Gregory Block. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, in 2014. A sister, Phoebe Jayne, and a brother, Duncan, also preceded him in death.

He was a graduate of the University of MIssouri. After two years of military service, he was employed at the Aluminum Division of Olin Corporation. in Hannibal, Ohio. He retired as a manager of Consolidated Aluminum Corporation and worked part-time as a consultant in the United States, Europe, and Japan for two years.

He was a Presbyterian by faith and served as a deacon and an elder. He was active in many, many volunteer organizations, including the Lions Club, Little League, Cub Scouts and others.  He served on the charter board of directors for the Family Resource Network and was president of the Wetzel-Tyler Volunteers for Better Reading for many years.  His recognition awards included West Virginia State Literacy Volunteer of the Year and Citizen of the Year by the Greater New Martinsville Chamber of Commerce.  He will be best remembered for his work in pet therapy, where he, along with his beloved golden retrievers, made in excess of 10,000 visits to patients in nursing homes and hospitals.  

He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Block and her husband, Dennis Gainer, his son, Clifford (Chip) Block and his wife, Bonnie, two grandchildren, Candice and Brianna, two great-grandchildren, Malachi and Elijah, his sister-in-law, Shirley Block, and his four nieces and nephews, Diane, Susan, Laurie and Ken. 

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to ArtsLink, 141 Main Street, New Martinsville, West Virginia, 26155.

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