Kenneth Ray Burkhalter

Kenneth Ray Burkhalter, 84, of Conroe, Texas, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, was welcomed home into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Ken, known as “Coach” to many, will be remembered for his strong faith, patient nature, good-natured humor and wit, and committed support of his family and friends.

Ken was born on August 12, 1942, in Houston, Texas and grew up in Pasadena, Texas. At an early age Ken found a love for sports and tormenting his little sister. After graduating from Pasadena High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Texas A&M University, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets. He then furthered his education by earning a Master’s Degree in Physical Education from Sam Houston State University.

Ken coached and taught at several junior and senior high schools – 22 years in Conroe ISD and 6 years in surrounding school districts. Ken spent most of his years as a well-respected coach and educator at Conroe High School, where he learned to stand for the gold and white and to sic’em tigers. Coaching football gave him great joy, and he cared sincerely about mentoring his players on and off the field.

For the last 46 years, Ken was a member of First Baptist Church Conroe, where he was a deacon and a beloved member of the congregation. His steadfast faith and compassionate character made him a core member of the Church community. After retiring from coaching, he spent his time as the director and backbone of the Happy Strings Ukelele Band, which was sponsored by the Church. He was a guitarist and lead singer as well as music coordinator for their weekly performances at senior citizens facilities across the area.

One of Ken’s greatest passions was cooking BBQ. He was well-known for his award-winning brisket, chicken, and pork ribs. He also competed in Cook-offs across Texas. Ken was so dedicated to his BBQ that he even built his pit and rotisserie himself. Even after he hung up his apron from competitions, he generously continued cooking BBQ for friends, family, and his Church.

Ken is survived by his cherished family - wife, Leah McKinney Burkhalter, of 54 years, their two children Sarah Kathleen Burkhalter Auburg and Kenneth Ray “Buddy” Burkhalter Jr., and his sister Nancy Burkhalter. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Caleb Ray and Hayley Ann Auburg, who knew him as “Pa”. He was preceded in death by his father, Grady Ray Burkhalter and his mother, Reba Smith Burkhalter.

Ken was tremendously proud of his children and grandchildren and loved supporting them at their sporting and performance events. He never met a stranger and touched the lives of so many. Rest easy Coach, we will see you soon.

Services for Ken will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026. A visitation will be held at First Baptist Conroe, 600 N Main St, Conroe, TX 77301, on September 24, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at the same location from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. A committal service will take place on the same day at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Anderson, TX, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

The Celebration of Life will be live streamed at the following link - http://fbcconroe.org/livestream. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child at the following link - https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/broadcast-occ-ads/.

The Burkhalter family would like to express their deep gratitude to the nursing staff at Houston Methodist Hospital The Woodlands and to their valued and loved family and friends for their tremendous care and support.