Kenneth L. Horne, a respected figure in the interior design community, passed away on December 22, 2025, at The Hamptons in Tyler, Texas. Known affectionately as Ken, he was 95 years old and left behind a legacy marked by over five decades in the interior design industry.
Born on March 14, 1930, in Mitchell, Louisiana, Ken was the son of Catherine and Lee Horne. The family relocated to Gladewater, Texas, shortly after his birth and eventually settled in Kilgore as the East Texas Oil Boom began. This shift offered both challenges and opportunities as housing became scarce during that time. Ken embarked on his educational journey at Kilgore High School in 1948, where he laid the groundwork for a successful career.
After graduating, Ken attended Kilgore Junior College, earning an Associate of Arts degree in 1950. His pursuit of higher education continued at the University of Texas at Austin, where he was enrolled in the business school. His studies were interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army, serving two years that included basic training at Camp Roberts Military Base in California and officer candidate school at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Upon his return to academia, Ken completed his degree at the University of Texas, Austin. His career began at Sanger Brothers Department Store in Dallas, where he worked in the home furnishings and design department as an Assistant Buyer/Manager. Ken excelled in the management training program, graduating at the top of his class. His tenure at Sanger Brothers lasted from June 1955 until spring 1957, when he transitioned to a role at Almands House of Furnishings in Kilgore.
Ken dedicated himself to Almands from 1957 until the store’s closure in 1992. Following this, he established his own business, continuing to serve clients across East Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. His expertise in interior design earned him membership in the American Society of Interior Designers and the Better Business Association.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ken was deeply involved in his community and faith. A lifelong member of Marvin Methodist Church, he previously attended St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Kilgore. His commitment to the church included participation in the Marvin Chancel Choir and various leadership roles within the congregation. Ken was also an active member of the Willow Brook Country Club and served on the board of the Amberwood Home Owners Association.
Ken is survived by his niece, Susan Diciolla, and nephew, Brian Gonzales, both of Wildomar, California. He is also remembered by 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 to honor Ken’s life will take place on December 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Kilgore City Cemetery. The service will be officiated by Rev. Buddy Powell and Rev. Brandy Stevens, under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home in Tyler. Ken Horne’s contributions to the field of interior design and his dedication to his community will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
