Kenneth Gene Larkin

Kenneth Gene Larkin, age 77, of Caldwell, Idaho, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer believed to be related to Agent Orange exposure during his military service in Vietnam.

Kenneth was born on November 27, 1948, in Nyssa, Oregon, to Alma Smith. He was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Albert and Pearl Smith, who played an instrumental role in shaping the man he would become.

In 1966, at just 17 years old, Kenneth proudly answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force. During his four years of military service, he served as a firefighter in Vietnam and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSgt). His service and sacrifice left a lasting impact on his life, and he carried immense pride in having served his nation.

Upon returning home from Vietnam, Kenneth met the love of his life, Connie Atkinson, and the couple married on June 30, 1972, in Yuba City, California. They later returned to Idaho, where they built a life together and raised their family.

Kenneth began his career with the Caldwell Fire Department, serving the community until 1977. He later joined Carpenters Union Local 208, where he established himself as a highly skilled master carpenter and dedicated craftsman. Throughout his career, he contributed to numerous construction projects across Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. Among the projects he was most proud of were the Bonneville Dam project in 1980, the Boise Towne Square Mall from 1986 to 1988, and several sweat-equity housing projects throughout Canyon County, helping families achieve the dream of homeownership.

Kenneth's carpentry reflected the pride he took in every task he undertook. Whether working on a large commercial project or helping family, friends, or neighbors with a project, he was known for his exceptional work ethic, meticulous attention to detail, and willingness to lend a helping hand whenever it was needed.

Outside of work, Kenneth enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting. He found peace and happiness in the outdoors and treasured the time he spent with family and friends. He was also known for faithfully helping Connie with her newspaper route and was always finding another project around the house that needed his attention.

After Connie's passing in 2002, Kenneth was blessed to find companionship once again. He married Sandy Creek, with whom he shared the last decade of his life.

Although Kenneth officially retired, he never truly stopped working. He remained active by helping others, tackling projects, and spending time with the people he loved most.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Connie Larkin; his mother, Alma Smith; his grandparents, Albert and Pearl Smith; and his brother, Norman Lee Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy Creek; his sisters, Linda Lund and Patricia Wise; his brother, Joseph Petty; his children, Kendra (Shawn), Jennifer, Sandee (Jason), Lindsey (Carlo), and Kendall; his grandchildren, Jordan, Lauren, Dominick, Devin, Ashton, Dawnte, Taten, Tarence, Alyssa, Vivianna, Carlo III, Charlie, Abby, Isla, and Eivin; 14 great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Kenneth will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his honorable service to his country, his exceptional craftsmanship, and the kindness and generosity he showed to everyone around him. His legacy lives on in the homes he helped build, the lives he touched, and the family he loved so deeply.

Viewing will be held at Flahiff Funeral Chapel on July 29, 2026, from 5pm to 8pm. Funeral services will be held on July 30, at 11am also at Flahiffs, followed by the procession to the Canyon Hill Cemetery in Caldwell, Idaho.

Kenneth will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Connie, at Canyon Hill Cemetery in Caldwell, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to organizations supporting veterans or to a charity of your choice in Kenneth's memory.

Memories and condolences can be shared at www.flahifffuneralchapel.com