Kenneth Charles Verdon Hafen, 37, passed away in his home in Panaca, surrounded by family on March 4.

Ken was born March 27, 1977, in St. George, Utah, to Edith Ann Barnum and Wendell LaVoy Hafen. He was the youngest of eight children.

Raised primarily in Mesquite, Ken attended Virgin Valley schools. While he was still in school, the family moved to Apple Valley, Utah, and Ken spent several years there and attended high school for a short time in Hurricane, Utah.

In 1997, Ann and LaVoy moved to Panaca and Ken joined them there. Shortly after moving to Panaca, Ken met and began dating Autumn Lytle. They married in 1999 and had a daughter Mayah; they later divorced.

Ken?s pride and joy was his daughter, Mayah. He raised her primarily on his own with the help of his parents and other family members.

In 2012, Ken married Brittney Bingley in Panaca and became instant father to her twin daughters, Cloie and Zoie. He legally adopted them in December of 2014. Ken was a wonderful father to his girls and spent every moment he could with them.

Ken inherited the Master Mechanic gene from his father, and although he never had any formal education, his mechanical and welding expertise was in high demand in Lincoln County. He worked as a mechanic and welder for Jim Wilkin Trucking for many years.

Ken always had a positive attitude. When he was diagnosed with Leukemia shortly after the passing of his mother in 2013, he cheered everyone around him with his ?keep-smiling? attitude. Every update or comment through his treatment encouraged everyone else to smile and take heart. He never let his illness get him down.

Ken found great joy in the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had recently had the opportunity to go to the temple.

Ken was preceded in death by his mother, Ann Hafen; brother, Michael; and sister, Lydia. He is survived by his wife, Brittney; daughters Mayah, Zoie and Cloie; father, LaVoy; sisters and brothers: Edith (Lela), Charles (Lorena), Shelley (Lee), Spencer (Danielle) and Jared.

Funeral services were held at the Panaca LDS Church on Saturday, March 7 at 2 p.m. Viewing was at 12:30 p.m.

Arrangements are made under direction of Southern Nevada Mortuary. On-line guest book may be signed at southernnevadamortuary.com or sumortuary.com.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Ken?s many friends in Lincoln County, the staff at Grover C Dills Medical Center and LDS Hospital, and the folks at Cowfolks Care. Compassionate Service provided by the Panaca 1st Ward Relief Society.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate help with expenses. An account has been opened at Nevada Bank and Trust under Kenneth Hafen Funeral.