Kenneth L. Horne, a respected figure in the interior design community, passed away on December 22, 2025, at The Hamptons in Tyler, Texas. He was 95 years old. Known affectionately as Ken, he was a beloved friend and mentor to many in the East Texas region.
Born on March 14, 1930, in Mitchell, Louisiana, Ken was raised in Gladewater, Texas, before his family settled in Kilgore. This period coincided with the East Texas Oil Boom, a time that significantly influenced the area’s growth and housing market. Ken began his education at Kilgore High School, graduating in 1948.
Following high school, Ken pursued an Associate of Arts degree at Kilgore Junior College, graduating in 1950. He then enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin to study business. However, his academic journey was interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army. He underwent basic training at Camp Roberts in California and attended officer candidate school at Fort Benning, Georgia, before completing his two-year service.
After fulfilling his military obligation, Ken returned to the University of Texas to complete his degree. He began his career in retail at Sanger Brothers Department Store in Dallas, where he worked in the home furnishings and design department. Ken excelled in the management training program and graduated at the top of his class. He remained with Sanger Brothers until the spring of 1957, when he relocated back to Kilgore to join Almands House of Furnishings.
Ken dedicated over 50 years to the interior design industry, serving clients throughout East Texas, as well as in Arkansas and Louisiana. His contributions to the field earned him membership in the American Society of Interior Designers and the Better Business Association. A lifelong member of Marvin Methodist Church, he was actively involved in church activities and served in various capacities.
Before moving to Tyler, Ken was a long-time member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Kilgore, where he participated in the Chancel Choir and adult classes. His community involvement extended to the Willow Brook Country Club and the Amberwood Home Owners Association, where he served on the board.
Ken is survived by his niece, Susan Diciolla, and nephew, Brian Gonzales, both from Wildomar, California. He also leaves behind numerous friends and relatives, including Virginia and Paul Low, Frank Parker, Avery Bengtson, Maurice Wingo, Steve Pickett, and Mary Lynn Powell.
A memorial graveside service is scheduled for December 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in Kilgore City Cemetery. The service will be officiated by Rev. Buddy Powell and Rev. Brandy Stevens, with arrangements made by Stewart Family Funeral Home in Tyler.
Kenneth L. Horne’s legacy in the interior design community and his commitment to service will be remembered by all who knew him.
