Kenneth Schultz

Beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Kenneth (Kenny) Edwin Schultz, went to be with His Lord and Savior at the age of 84 on November 29, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Kenny was born March 2, 1938, in Slayton, Minnesota, to William and Clara Schultz. Being the oldest, he had many stories to tell about his younger brother, Robert, and all of the exciting times they had growing up on their family farm. After graduating from high school, Kenny served in the Army wherein he was stationed in Alaska. This was disheartening for someone who didn’t like the cold. He often said he left the cold in Minnesota and ended up in the cold in Alaska but, in true Kenny fashion, he made the best of the situation and enjoyed the beauty and magnificence of Alaska.

Then, following his service in the military, his work took him to many interesting and much warmer places – one of which was Groom, Texas, where he met LaVerne Stiles. After a brief courtship they were married on June 2, 1964 – they didn’t need much time to know that they were to be partners for life. Shortly thereafter, in 1966, they had their first child, LaNita, and then two years later they were blessed with a son, Kenneth (Buster). Their family was complete and they settled in to small town living. Kenny was self-employed for a while and then worked for many years as a superintendent at the grain elevator, and LaVerne worked any job that kept her outdoors.

Kenny cherished spending time with his friends as they drank coffee and discussed the many “important topics” of the day. They had a lot of fun as the bantering never seemed to end – Kenny had quite the sense of humor. But, of course, at the end of the day, he loved each and every one of them. He also enjoyed music, was an avid reader and was, as anyone who knew him could tell you, a bit “infamous” as he traveled the Texas Panhandle performing his ventriloquist act. He started ventriloquism when he was still in high school and relished being on stage with the spotlight shining brightly on him. He had many puppets and often wrote his own material. And if you ever had the pleasure of watching his act, you might have even seen him perform a bit of magic.

Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Kenny knew that he was just as loving and caring as he was cantankerous. He was a wonderful father and a very doting and attentive grandfather and great-grandfather. He was very proud and eager to be in attendance at every piano, choir and orchestra concert his grandchildren participated in. He spent countless hours reading to the loves of his life, playing any game that came his way, and patiently endured any cartoon he was invited to watch. He enjoyed every minute with his family and any time he was to be separated from them (even if it was only bedtime) spoke one of his favorite sayings, “Love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck!” That will forever be a fond memory!

Although blessed, life wasn’t always easy. He buried his son, Buster, in February of 1994, and then his beloved wife of 30 years the very next year. He was also preceded in death by his parents. His faith in the Lord sustained him throughout every hardship life threw his way – including the last days of his life as he battled lung cancer. He ran his race and fought ferociously.

He leaves behind his daughter and son-in-law, LaNita and Thomas McClure; their children Kelsey McClure, and Hannah Devenney along with her husband Trenton; as well as a great-granddaughter, Keira McClure. He also leaves behind his only brother, Robert Schultz and wife Sharon, many nieces, nephews and cousins not only in Texas but also in Minnesota. He will be greatly missed by both family and friends.

Viewing will be Friday, December 2, 2022, from 4:00-6:00 pm at Griggs-Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors, 5400 Bell Street, Amarillo, Texas. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at the United Methodist Church in Groom, Texas, 303 E. 2nd Street at 10:00 am. The family would also like to thank all of the doctors, nurses and staff at the Amarillo VA Health Care System – they are all wonderful.