1928 – 2026

Kenneth Wayne Yancey, 97, went home to his reward on April 11, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Montie Charlie Yancey and Bertha Lee ‘Speck’ Morris Yancey; his beloved wife, Mattie Kathleen R. Yancey; and his son, Kerry Galen Yancey.

Kenneth is survived by his daughters, K. Anice McKinlay and Jennie Kate Price; his grandson, Joshua Wayne Price; great-grandson, Jagger Wayne Price; great-granddaughter, Maddeleine Jean Price; granddaughter, Jennie Rachel Price Lyra; and great-granddaughters, Jennie Rosemary Lyra and Veronika Penelope Lyra.

He is also survived by a large and much-loved ‘flock’ of step and double-step children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren on the McKinlay line.

Kenneth faithfully served the Lord through music for many years, alongside his wife, Kathy, as pianist. He served as music director, deacon, and Sunday School teacher, and frequently led music for revival services in churches throughout Ohio and Texas.

He proudly served his country as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, assigned to an engineering company.

During his service, he helped build the mobile army surgical hospital units later made famous by television.

Kenneth was also deeply involved in Freemasonry, serving as a member, post-master, and patron of several Masonic lodges in Texas and Ohio. He was honored with a 50-year pin from Canton Castillian Lodge #147.

Education was a lifelong calling for Kenneth. He taught high school in El Paso where he also served as ROTC commandant.

His small-bore rifle team won a national championship. He later taught in Bertram and Eustace, served as principal in Bethel, and ultimately became a teacher and test director for the federal prison system in Seagoville and Chillicothe, Ohio, where he remained until his retirement.

Kenneth Wayne Yancey will be remembered for his deep faith, love of music, dedication to education, service to his country, and unwavering devotion to family.