Kenneth Earl Mayberry entered his Heavenly home surrounded by family and love. Born on December 4, 1946, in Lufkin, Texas to Lorne and Anne Mayberry, Ken moved to Freeport, Texas in 1950. He spent his childhood making memories with his sister, Beverly, and brother, David. It was in Freeport that his lifelong foundation of faith and service first began. As a young boy and active member of First Baptist Church Freeport, Ken accepted the Lord at the age of seven during a revival led by evangelist Angel Martinez—an event that shaped the course of his life.
Ken was deeply involved in school life, participating in baseball, choir, and band throughout junior high and high school. He graduated from Brazosport High School in 1965 and attended Howard Payne University, where he would meet the love of his life, Reba Lois Smith.
In 1966, Ken answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army Officer Candidate School and graduating as a Second Lieutenant. Ken and Lois were married on May 25, 1968, in Freeport, Texas. In February 1969, Ken deployed to Vietnam, where he bravely served in aerial reconnaissance missions. His courage and devotion to others earned him the Air Medal for Honor for rescuing civilians while under intense enemy fire. He completed active duty in 1970 and was honorably discharged in 1972 at the rank of First Lieutenant.
After his military service, Ken and Lois began their family life in Houston and then Missouri City, Texas. Their daughters, Allison (1974) and Amy (1977), brought immeasurable joy to their lives. Ken was faithful and attended all of his girl’s games and practices. He was an active leader in their church youth group as well. In 1975, Ken began what would become a 36-year career with Oak Farms Dairies, retiring in 2010.
Ken’s passions flourished in Missouri City—golf, music, and baseball. He spent countless hours on the golf course, often traveling “the BBQ circuit” with his good friend and golf partner, Sandy Payton. A gifted vocalist, Ken was active in the Sugar Creek Baptist Church choir and led a four-part harmony ensemble that performed throughout the area visiting local churches. He also appeared in numerous church musicals and Christmas productions, sharing his joy through music and performance.
Ken returned to one of his earliest loves—baseball—while his youngest daughter was in high school. In 1994, he began running the scoreboard for Coach Rick Carpenter at Elkins High School and became the “Voice of the Knights” in 1996.
In 2012, Ken and Lois moved to Prosper, Texas to be near family and help care for their first grandchild, Mabry. Once again, God wove their story full circle—Ken joined Coach Carpenter at Prosper High School and joyfully served as the stadium announcer, calling games until May 2025. He became a beloved voice in the Prosper ISD athletic community.
Ken and Lois were faithful members of First Baptist Church McKinney and cherished time spent with family, friends, and especially their grandchildren. His greatest legacy was not only in his service and accomplishments, but in the way he loved—deeply, faithfully, and proudly.
Ken is preceded in death by his father Lorne Earl Mayberry, mother Elaska Anne Mayberry Jones, niece Katherine Marie Mayberry, Joe Jones spouse of Anne Mayberry Jones, and dear friends Tom Akins and Max Bledsoe.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Reba Lois Smith Mayberry; daughters Allison (Mayberry) and Bryan Adkison of Burleson, Texas, and Amy (Mayberry) and John Gayhart of Prosper, Texas; his sister Beverly (Mayberry) and Chad Johnson of Wilmington, NC; and brother David and Kay Mayberry of Lake Jackson, Texas.
Ken adored his six grandchildren, who brought him endless joy: Mabry Adelle Gayhart, Audrey Hope Adkison, John “Jack” Leslie Gayhart, Bailey Grace Adkison, Colbie Lynn Adkison, and Slater Smith Gayhart. He leaves behind extended family, lifelong friends, and a community of athletes, students, and families who will forever remember his encouraging voice, warm spirit, and unwavering kindness.
Ken lived a life of faith, service, and family. His voice may be silent now, but his legacy will continue to echo in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
“Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.”
— Psalm 34:3–4
Well done, good and faithful servant.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Blue Sky Therapeutic Riding & Respite, 120 Stanley Drive #228, Aubrey, Texas 76227.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., November 6, 2025 at First McKinney Baptist Church, 1615 W Louisiana St, McKinney, Texas 75069.
A graveside service will take place at Bennett Cemetery in Apple Springs, Texas, at 1:00 p.m., Friday, November 7, 2025.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Wednesday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.