Ken was born on September 16, 1944, in Dixon, Missouri. A place he loved visiting to spend time with family members. He graduated from Thomas Edison High School in San Antonio, Tx. He followed his family’s tradition of serving in the military and joined the United States Navy from 1965-1969. He was assigned to the USS Kittyhawk and deployed multiple times during the Vietnam War. After serving his nation he came back to San Antonio where he met his first wife Gisela Freitag on a blind date. Soon they were married and relocated to Willis, Texas where he started a 27-year career with Garrett Aviation as an Airplane Mechanic. He resided in Willis, Texas until the passing of his first wife Gisela and moved to Colleyville, Texas after remarrying to Lynne. Upon retirement, Ken and Lynne relocated to Denton, Texas.
Ken was known for having multiple talents, but one of his specialties was cooking BBQ. He was very involved in his community and active in WYAA and the local 4-H/FFA Chapter. He would always lend a hand when others needed it by fixing their vehicles or repairing something around their house. You would often find Ken in his workshop rebuilding cars or finding things to build. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed spending his time passing down the tradition of hunting or fishing to his children. He was a dedicated football fan and would watch his teams any given weekend. Once retired, Ken and Lynne would travel the world enjoying life together.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Lynne McKeown, his three daughters and five sons. Karen Newman (late husband Wayne Newman), Margaret McKeown and Paige McCloud (husband Connor), Kenneth McKeown (wife Tara), John Byarlay, Mark Byarlay, Matt Byarlay (wife Jina), and James Byarlay.
He also was the best Papa to eleven grandchildren, Kristien Rico, Trystan Pitman, Kendyll Newman, John Matthew Byarlay, Hayden Byarlay, Zach Byarlay, Graham Byarlay, Elsie Byarlay, Kaley Byarlay, Taylor McKeown, and Gage McKeown.
He also had two great-grandchildren, Kolt and Krew Rico.
He is preceded in death By Gisela McKeown and Wayne Newman.
Memorial Service for Ken McKeown will be held Saturday, February 22,2025 at 10:00 am at Cashner Funeral Home in Conroe, Tx. He will have a private burial with his family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation – Help Those with Parkinson’s.
