Kenneth A Maroney

Kenneth Austin Maroney peacefully passed into Jesus’ arms on Sunday, June 19, 2016, after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Kenneth was born September 21, 1929, in Ben Franklin, Texas to Ila Mae and Robert Maroney and grew up in Boxelder, Texas. He graduated from Annona HS as Valedictorian at age 16, attended Paris Jr. College, and came to the University of Corpus Christi in 1948 on a basketball scholarship. Although he was a retired professor in the College of Education, Kenneth first made his mark on the University of Corpus Christi as a member of the 1949-1950 basketball team, which ended the season with an unequaled 25-1 record. He was inducted into the University’s Athletic Hall of Honor in 2002. After a successful career on the court at UCC and graduating with a double major in education and English, Kenneth joined the United States Air Force and served from 1952-1956. While serving our country, he earned a master’s degree in education administration from the University of Texas and afterwards, an Ed.D., in counseling and professional administration from North Texas State University. In 1957, he began his career at UCC as an instructor and assistant basketball coach. Kenneth’s career at the University spanned more than 50 years. His professional experience spread beyond South Texas. He was active in the Professional Staff NDEA Counseling and Guidance Institute at North Texas in the summers of 1963 and 1964 and he served as a consultant for the United States Office of Education from 1965-1967 on the issue of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Kenneth’s impact on the University has been felt at every level: from his duties as dean of students and professor of psychology to serving as president from 1969 to 1973. During his presidency, Hurricane Celia struck the campus, wiping out most of the University’s wooden buildings and clearing the way for the renovation and expansion that is still going on today. Kenneth was also highly instrumental in UCC’s conversion from a private institution to part of the Texas A&M University System. While president, he was instrumental in obtaining NCAA certification for the University, laying the foundation for today’s revived athletic program which has many men’s and women’s teams competing in NCAA Division I sports. After retirement he remained active with Island athletics, the Alumni Association, and the Tarpon Foundation. Whether on the athletic field, in the classroom, or as an administrator, Dr. Maroney was a shining example of the University’s excellence for more than five decades. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Betty, sons Dave (Joan) and Mark (Betsy), grandchildren Ross (and his mother Kimberly), Erica (Marc), Ryan (Lauren), Nico (Danielle), Daniel, and Courtney (Mitchell), great grandchildren Gabriela, Ashton, Mia, Parker, Emily, Marek, and Riley, brother Bob (Judy), brother-in-law Glen (Berta) Floyd, caregiver Deborah Freeman and numerous nieces, cousins and many basketball friends. A celebration of Kenneth’s life will be held in Corpus Christi at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall on July 3, 2016 from 3 to 5 pm. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to South Texas Children’s Home, P.O. Box 759, Beeville, TX 78104.