Kenneth K. "Ken" Knox

Kenneth K. (“Ken”) Knox died Feb. 25, 2023 in Arlington at age 91. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on March 21 at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 7457 West Lake Rd., Abilene, TX 79601. Wade Family Funeral Home of Arlington is handling arrangements.

Ken was born Nov. 2, 1931, in Fort Worth to Walter W. and Pearl Ella (Haworth) Knox. He graduated from Abilene High School in 1950 and resided in Abilene almost his entire life. Ken began his life-long broadcasting career while still in high school, starting out in the early days of KRBC Radio, when it still broadcast from the penthouse of the Windsor Hotel in downtown Abilene. He went on to manage the radio station before moving into television during its earliest days in West Texas. Since KRBC-TV signed onto the air in 1953, Ken served the station as salesman, sales manager, station manager, and general manager. Ken was a walking encyclopedia of radio and television history and operations, retiring from KRBC-TV in 1995.

Ken joined the Texas National Guard on his 17th birthday in 1948 and went on full-time active duty for training in 1950 when the Korean Conflict began. He graduated from Radar Repair and Maintenance School at Fort Bliss and served in both the Signal Corps and Field Artillery during his 25-year career. He was given a field promotion to Lieutenant early in his career and retired with the rank of Major. His awards and decorations include Meritorious Service Medals from both the Texas National Guard and the National Guard of the United States.

Ken was also active in many civic and charitable organizations, including the United Way of Abilene, Boy Scouts of America, the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, Adult Day Care, the Abilene Metropolitan Ballet, the Knights of Columbus, and the Food Bank of West Texas. Ken was a very active father who was always eager and willing to support his children in their many activities and interests.

Ken was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Ruby. He is survived by his two children, Kerry (Cheryl Dee) of Arlington and Dr. Kelly Knox of Cincinnati, OH; his granddaughter, Tasha Wheeler (Ryan) of Arlington, and great-grandson Marshall Wheeler.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the donor’s local food bank.