Kendal “Kenny” Allen Mattoon, Passed from this life into the Chorus of Eternity, on January 15, 2019. Ken was born an only child to Betty and Denny Mattoon in Alexandria, VA on February 21, 1943. His father, an FBI agent, worked for the Federal Government, under the direction of J. Edgar Hoover. The family moved to Apache, Oklahoma and then to Texas in about 1948.
Surviving a life threatening battle with Polio at age five, young Kenny was left with muscular damage that affected his speech and he endured the difficulty of profound stuttering for the remainder of his life. His personal ambition, strength of character and determination never allowed the impediment to effect performance, and Ken became an accomplished musician. His music helped define his life and offered a song of joy that he shared with many.
As he entered Jr. High, he was associated with his school band, “The Star Dusters”, and in grade, became a professional musician as he played with many Big Bands in North Texas. He played with such celebrities as Stan Kenton and Glen Campbell. By ninth grade, with The C-Note Band, he auditioned and performed on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour. He was part of the first Six-Flags Over Texas “Crazy Band”.
Following high school graduation from Arlington Heights, Ken attended North Texas State as a member of the One O’clock Band. He later transferred to TCU to pursue a degree in Music.
Ken worked for General Dynamics as a top secret document courier, and later for family at the Oasis Liquor Store. His love of music brought him back to head the quality control and repair department, guitar division, for The Rhythm Band, the states’ largest provider of student instruments.
Ken retired in 2004, from Texas Patios, after serving as manager and overseeing expansion and opening of additional stores.
A fifty three year member of Julian Field Blue Masonic Lodge, Ken received his 50 year recognition from Moslah Shrine Temple, where three years earlier, he was elected Caliph of the Bedouins. He served ten years in the Shrine Band, playing Big Band, Jazz, Dixie Land and Stage Band. In 1977 he served as band President. He served for many years as director of the Moslah Bedouin Unit and Oriental Band. While he served as Assistant Band Chairman, the group was awarded the coveted 3-Peat TSA Championship. For eight years he played with the Fort. Worth Stock Show and Exhibition Rodeo Band. He gave tirelessly of his time and talent in Fund Raising for Hospitals and Shrine Circuses. For the past five years, he has served on the Moslah Divan Entertainment Committee. In 2017 he was named Bedouin of the Year and until his death, could boast that He never missed a Texas Shrine Association Convention or Circus.
Kenny was a charter member of Central Christian Church and current member of University Christian Church.
Surviving to grieve his loss, Ken leaves the wife of his youth, Jimmie Kaye, who he remarried more than 14 years ago. He leaves daughter Anna Noyce, and husband Steve, grandchildren Cameron and Mason, and also step-son Dean Giles and grandchildren Natalie and Evan. His step children and grandchildren held his heart, and brought him great happiness.
The melody of Ken’s life resounds through the love of his family and friends and the last chorus brings joy in remembering a man of honor and courage as the notes became distant music.
To all friends and family of Ken and Jimmie Kaye Mattoon:
His services will be held
Saturday January 19th
Central Christian Church
3205 Hamilton Ave Fort Worth 76107
11:00-12:30 visitation
1:30 Memorial Service
After the service:
A Masonic Service will be held at his
Inurnment at Greenwood Mausoleum
3100 White Settlement Road Fort Worth76107
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to, Ladder of Smiles C/O David Dodgen, 4008 Georgian Drive Haltom City, Texas 76117
The family wishes to thank all those who brought the Love of Christ to Ken, especially through his final days. His song will long echo through our lives and he will be truly missed.
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