Kenneth Wayne Speed

Kenneth Wayne Speed, age 91, passed peacefully on Nov 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. He was born on June 8, 1933, in Cumby, Texas to Elmer and Ora Mae Speed. Elmer was a sharecropper, living in a farmhouse in exchange for growing and cultivating cotton. As children, dad and his two brothers, Delwin and Donny, dragged a 20 foot toe sack behind them picking cotton.

After attending East Texas State University in Commerce, Ken spent 20 years in the US Air Force. While in the USAF, he served in the Korean War as a crew chief for a squadron of T6’s stationed on Guam and in the Philippines. During the Vietnam conflict he flew as crew chief on KC-135’s on 14-hour missions, sometimes at night, to refuel B-52’s bombers and fighter aircraft who were supporting American troops in Cambodia and South Vietnam. Prior to retirement as a Master Sergeant in 1972 Ken was a maintenance instructor for Lockheed C-5A's at Travis AFB in California. After retiring from the USAF, he worked as an estimator for 14 years at Stripe-A-Zone in Grand Prairie and then another 10 years at 'Lectric Lites in Ft. Worth.

In 1955, Linda and Ken went on a blind date to a Marty Robbins concert and married 3 months later. They had many adventures as part of their time in the Air Force, living in Texas, California, Michigan, San Antonio and France.

Ken and Linda's children are Judith, Ron, Debbie, Randy and Greg. They were brought up in the church, learning and practicing God's word.

The family was instrumental in the growth of several small churches in Michigan and California. One of their memorable moments was volunteering at the 1971 Billy Graham crusade in Oakland, California. Each Christmas, Grandpa was renowned for reading the Christmas story at the family get together.

Ken is survived by his wife, Linda, children Judith, Debbie, Randy and Greg, 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Ron Speed in August 2021.

The staff at Moore Funeral Home encourages family and friends to express their fond memories, expressions of sympathy and additional condolences to the family of Kenneth Wayne Speed, by visiting www.moore-funeralhome.com.

In addition, if you or someone you know wish to send a floral condolence to the Speed family in honor of the late Kenneth Wayne Speed, you may choose to do so by calling In Bloom Flowers and Gifts at (972)-256-6637.