MAJOR, Kenneth Olwell (Sonny)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Saturday, December 19, 2015 Kenneth OlweIl "Sonny" Major, born Dec. 29, 1925, in Magdalena, New Mexico, to Malcolm S. and Lily Field Major, died on Dec. 10, 2015, in Prescott, Arizona. Kenneth was the fifth of eight children of Malcolm S. Major and Lily Field Major, who were pioneer ranchers in New Mexico and Colorado. In his preteen years, Kenneth was a jockey; riding race horses for his father in New Mexico and Colorado and "Doc" Pardee at the Arizona Biltmore Stables in Phoenix. In the mid-'60s to early '80s, he managed the Double O Ranch near Seligman. He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Kenneth "Kenny" C. Major; former wife, Edith Rogers Major; his sisters, Alyce Zancanelli and Eugenia Major Dixon; and brothers, Duncan K. Major and Malcolm "Buddy" Major Jr. He is survived by his children, Daniel Major (Lyn) of Prescott, Arizona, Denise Lyons (Garry) of Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, Sindi Major-Martinez (Del) of Ashburn, Virginia, Sherri Goemmer (Shane) of Amissville, Virginia, and his daughter-in-law Cheryl Major-Miller (George) of Gilbert, Arizona; his sisters, Helen Graham of Miles City, Montana, Maria Major Linsey of Benson, Arizona, Johanna Major of Albuquerque, New Mexico; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Kenneth had a deep faith in God, and love for his church and country. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Dec. 21, 2015, at Talking Rock Ranch, 15075 Talking Rock Ranch Road, Prescott, Arizona, and a funeral mass at 11 a.m. on Dec. 28, 2015, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, 101 N. 10th Street, Belen, New Mexico. He will be inurned with military honors at 11 a.m. on Dec. 29, 2015, at the Magdalena Community Cemetery, Magdalena, New Mexico. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Kenneth's name to any of the following organizations: Arizona Cowpunchers Crisis Fund, 5295 N. Dave Wingfield Road, Rimrock, AZ 86335 or Canyon River Community Hospice Attn: Donations, 2050 Willow Creek Road, Prescott, AZ 86301. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Hampton Funeral Home & Cremation in Prescott, Arizona. Information provided by survivors.