Kenneth Stead

Kenneth Franklin Stead, a cherished brother, uncle, and friend, born on May 7, 1948, in Waxahachie, Texas, left this world peacefully on July 16, 2025, at the age of 77. Ken lived a fulfilling life, filled with many adventures and lots of cherished moments. Ken was inducted into the U.S. Air Force on April 21, 1970, and was honorably discharged on October 25, 1973. During his service he was trained as an interpreter and interrogator, achieving the rank of Sergeant E-4. Ken spent 8 months and 5 days of unspecified foreign duty. He was awarded the following: National Defense Service Medal and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal. After his military service, Ken had a distinguished career with the National Security Agency, where his dedication and work ethic shone brightly.

A man of few words, Ken found his voice in the beauty of the great outdoors. He reveled in the adventures of hunting and fishing, exploring captivating landscapes across the globe. Whether it was casting a line in tranquil waters or sharing quiet moments in the woods, these passions spoke volumes of the joy he found in nature. His love for these activities was only surpassed by his enthusiasm for sports, both as a player and a devoted fan. Ken also enjoyed traveling, whether for work or leisure, creating lasting memories and stories along the way.

Ken is survived by his beloved family, including his brother, Frederick (Rotatia); sister, Sarah; a loving extended family including nieces, Donna Cavanaugh (Dale), Wendy Lancaster (Richard), Tammy Schriver (Ray Cason), Sherry Carpenter (Brian), and Eulaytia Shipman; as well as a host great-nephews, nieces, and cousins. His family will cherish the memories they shared with him and honor his legacy. Ken will be remembered for his quiet strength, love for nature, and the warmth he brought into the lives of those around him.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his father, Preston Stead; and mother, Lucille Stead; and generations of Stead, Morris, Herring, and Lovelace family members.

It was only weeks before his passing that Ken made the pivotal decision to trust Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. A celebration of his life will take place on Friday, August 8, 2025, at Parkside Baptist Church, where friends and family will gather for visitation at 10:00 AM, followed by a service at 11:00 AM. Ken will be laid to rest at Mountain Peak Cemetery in Midlothian, Texas, at 1:00 PM the same day. We will gather together to honor him, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those of us who were fortunate to know him.

**The legacy of Keneth Franklin Stead as written by his brother, Fred Stead**

Ken was preceded in death by generations of Stead, Morris, Herring, and Lovelace families.

He is survived by his sister, Sarah; and his brother, Fred and family; and many friends on five continents.

Ken loved sports and games of many sorts. He leaned into the lives of folks around the world as he traveled for work or for fun, serving our country in American Embassies, all while living his dream.

Growing up in Blum, Texas, in a small-town school, next to a big wild river... many times the allure of fish or rabbits would win out over the schoolwork. Yet all that knew him would say, "I wish I could remember my lessons like Kenneth did!"

All who knew him also witnessed sincerity, playfulness, and hunger... Dad always said, "That boy has a hollow leg!" And yes, he did learn to be a GREAT cook!

His last 25 years have been finishing out the dream of hunting, fishing, traveling, and games with friends and family in New Mexico and in Texas.

I am proud to say that, at age 77, Ken trusted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, just a few short weeks before he passed.

See you again one day, My Brother!