Kenny Joseph Strickland

Kenny Joseph Strickland was born into this world on October, 9, 1940, to Oswald and Mary (née Kenny) Strickland, in New Orleans, LA, and passed away peacefully in the loving company of his family, in San Antonio, TX, on January 23, 2020. Kenny is survived by Wilma Patton Strickland, his wife and companion of 52 years, his brother Patrick, his children Katherine and Kenny Jr., and a host of family and friends, whose lives Kenny impressed deeply with his boundless love, care, and hospitality.

Kenny enjoyed a formative childhood in the family home in New Orleans, and was indelibly marked by the city’s vibrant rhythms and diversity. The family moved to Las Vegas, NV, where Kenny had formed many life-long friendships by the time he graduated from Bishop Gorman High School, as a football letterman, and an aficionado of classic cars and rock n’ roll. He attended St. John’s College in his beloved Santa Fe, NM, for one year before returning to New Orleans with his family, and earned his BA and MBA from Loyola University.

In 1966, Kenny enlisted as an officer in the US Army, and was sent for his Medical Corps training, to Fort Sam Houston, in San Antonio, where he met and married his beautiful wife, Wilma Winnette Patton before he was deployed for a one year tour of duty in Viet Nam. In 1967, while at the front, his son Kenny Jr., was born.

Kenny continued to serve until 1975. In 1971 his daughter Katherine was born, and soon after the young family was stationed in West Germany until Kenny’s retirement from active duty. He then moved the family to Austin, TX, and promptly enrolled at the University of Texas, where he pursued his Master’s Degree in Social Work. Kenny resolutely pursued this new path, one of devotion to care and compassion, in response to the life-altering experiences he underwent in Viet Nam.

In 1977 the family settled in San Antonio, and Kenny began his 30 year tenure at the Kerrville State Hospital. Over the years, he formed a deep and lasting relationship with the Kerrville community and became an avid supporter of the Kerrville Folk Festival. As a brilliant and dedicated Social Worker, Kenny touched the lives of countless individuals and their families. He collaborated on pioneering approaches to the care and support of those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and their families, with Alzheimer's family support groups. Kenny continued working with the San Antonio chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association after retirement.

We will gratefully remember Kenny Strickland as our loving husband, father, and friend, whose wise and welcoming heart drew so many into our family.

Please join us, if you are able, at 1:15 pm, on Thursday, January 6, 2020, at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery, to honor Kenny’s passing. Rather than flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.