Kenneth Angelo Davila

A Celebration of Life for Kenneth Davila (Kenny) of Dallas was held at 2 p.m. Friday March 14,2008 at Central Christian Church in Killeen. Reverend Karl Bunjes officiating. Kenny was born November 8, 1982 at Beth Israel Hospital in New York City. He moved with his family to Killeen when he was 2 months old and lived there until he graduated from Ellison High School in 2001. As a young boy, Kenny could be found taking care of his 4-H projects and playing with friends. He loved going to see his Granny Nae and Grandad and he always knew that in his Granny Floy's mind, he could do no wrong. In his spare time he liked to read about movie visual effects and all aspects of movies. Kenny's memorable achievements included Reserve Grand Champion with his rabbits.Kenny was socially resourceful, an expressive person who was willing to try new things. These qualities drew a lively circle of friends around him. He was sought after by people who recognized that he was generous with his time and energy, and these same friends found Kenny to be very stimulating company. Kenny's humor and curiosity were contagious for those around him. While growing up, some of his best friends were Brandy Kelly, his cousin Brittany, Casey Farmer and Angela Mason. Later in life, he became friends with Marco Roquemore, Erica Elias, Jason Hicks, and Dietrich Bailey,.His primary occupation was retail sales. He was employed by Banana Republic. Kenny always made an effort to be a team player, doing what needed was necessary in order to get the job done.He loved creating the store displays and was praised for his creativity. Surprisingly, Kenny was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list was basketball. He was an avid fan of Steve Nash and was very disappointed when he was traded to the Phoenix Suns. Kenny had become concerned with the status of local, national and even world affairs. Politically, Kenny was very excited about this years election and was following the primaries with great interest. He was thrilled to meet Bill Clinton on his last visit home. He was going to vote for his favorite the day he was hospitalized. Having the opportunity to visit and explore a new place always intrigued Kenny. Traveling and going away on vacations offered yet another opportunity for Kenny to expand his ever-growing inventory of knowledge. Favorite vacations included Las Vegas and Europe. He surprised his mother right after he graduated by showing her his passport and ticket to Germany for the following week. Kenny was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Kenny's favorites was a dog that he picked up at the pound and named Sydney after Neve Campbell in Scream. They were best friends and Kenny was heartbroken when we had to put her down after 10 years. His family was rounded out by his cats, Socks and Sandy.Kenny passed away on March 11, 2008 at Medical City in Dallas,Texas. Kenny died after a sudden illness. Kenny was laid to rest in the Killeen City Cemetery next to his beloved Granny Floy.Kenny was preceded in death by his great-grandmother Floy Byrd of Killeen, Flossie Gordon of Stilwell, OK, and grandfather Segundo Davila of New York City.Survivors include his mother, Keri Gordon Davila, a brother Paul of Killeen and his father, Angelo and wife Mary Davila of Temple. Grandparents Bob and LaNae Gordon of Killeen, Dean Hopson of Hale Center, Texas and grandmother Sebastiana Davila of Port St. Lucie, FL. He will also be missed by his Uncle Brett and wife Dana, Aunt Tonya and husband Dave, Aunt Carmen and husband Lalo, Aunt Vickie and her husband, Aunt Flor and Uncle Manolo and Uncle Abel. His wonderful cousins, Brittany, Carson and Reagan will miss him dearly. He will be also missed by his extended family in Dallas, especially Marco, Erica and Jason.A Tribute by the Author Augusten BurroughsThis is Kenny Davila and he died on March 11th. He would have been twenty-six this year. I never had the chance to meet Kenny. His mom came to my Austin event. She told me that Kenny was excited about my new book and asked her to pick it up for him. And then he died.One does not heal from the loss of a child. One does not heal from the loss of anyone we love deeply. “Heal” is a television word. In real life, we end up with a hole and we carry it around and wonder how it is we can possibly still be alive. We marvel that the “us” of us doesn't simply drain from the hole, leaving behind a husk. In time, we may get dressed again and leave the house. We may go out to dinner or a movie. A day, perhaps, might pass when we do not cry so long that our eyes burn. We somehow continue to breath.I never had the chance to meet Kenny. But he was one of my fans. He was one of us. And life is less without him.In memory of Kenneth Angelo Davila, November 8, 1982 – March 11, 2008Augusten BurroughsI was cleaning out Kenny's closet and found this poem he wrote for a middle school English class. I wanted to share it with you.My LifeI was born on November 8.My parents knew my life would be great.As a baby it was funEven without using my legs how I could run.Scooting across the floorI bumped my head on the door.As I let out a cryAnd thinking I would die. My mom gave me a hugAs we sat together on the rug.LOVEAs the next years flew.My body grew.I learned many new thingsAs my guardian angel watched over me with her new wings.I started to walkAnd then to talk.My mom would say not to pout.When I asked to go out.The answer seemed to always be NO!Because in my mind I wanted to GO!INDEPENDENCEThen at age 3I learned about ME.At four, I was beginning to playwith my friends every day.By the age of five,I didn't want to dive. Forget that pool.I just want to go to school.Do you know what you learn that first day?That you wish your mom would stay.NEW THINGSSchool is a place where you learn about space.We learn how to write and not how to fight. We learn how to addand that wasn't so bad. I had to learn how to spelland my grades fell.The best was learning how to readas we planted that seed.KNOWLEDGEAs I've grownI have always knownThat life will have its ups and downsWith many smiles and a few frowns.The teenage years seem so slowWhen in my mind I knowEverything comes to those who wait.I just have to wait to discover my fate.What will my life be?I guess I'll just have to see.PATIENCEI've wondered about me.Will I go to college?Will I have a job?Will I be successful?Will I grow old?Will I be happy?Will I be healthy?Will I have a family?Will I make others happy?LIFEI can only say that I can answer that last question. Will I make others happy? Yes my darling, you made us all happy.I