Kenneth O'Neal "K.O." McKenzie

Kenneth O’Neal "K.O." McKenzie, 66, of Owensboro, passed away in his residence on 10 July 2024. K.O. was born on November 23, 1957 in Jackson, Alabama, to the late Joseph C. McKenzie and Lula Mae Williams McKenzie. He accepted Christ at an early age. He spent summers throughout adolescence and adulthood as a lifeguard. He attended Owensboro High School where he played varsity basketball, football and was a state high jumper on the track and field team. He took his athleticism to Eastern Kentucky University where he continued Track and Field and became a member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity incorporated. At age 23, Ken enlisted in the Air Force as a Security Police, guarding nuclear missiles at Whiteman Air Force Base during the Cold War. Upon discharge he immediately joined the Owensboro Police Department where he proudly served the community for 30 years. K.O. enjoyed fishing with his granddaughter, playing chess with his grandson, astronomy, gardening, carpentry, and cooking. 

 Proceeding him in death was his brother, Jerald C. McKenzie. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, La’Tanya W. McKenzie and has two daughters born of this union, Charneice K. McKenzie of Antigua, Guatemala and La’Shawn R. McKenzie of Owensboro; two grandchildren Audriana K. Ashley-McKenzie and Maurice A. McKenzie, both of Owensboro; two sisters Deborah Groves of Indianapolis and Beverly Gary of Louisville; two brothers, Keith McKenzie (Catherine) and Patrick McKenzie (Latasha) all of Louisville; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

 Funeral services will be Noon Friday, July 19, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. Burial will be in Owensboro Memorial Gardens with full military and police honors. Visitation will be from 4 PM until 7 PM Thursday and from 10 AM until the time of the service on Friday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.

 Messages and condolences to the family can be shared at www.glenncares.com.