OBITUARY

Kenneth Rex McGinty

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Kenneth Rex McGinty of Gonzales, TX passed away at the young age of 77 on June 24, 2022. He was born on September 26, 1944 in Wrightsboro, TX to parents K.V. McGinty Jr. and Billie Jean Atkinson McGinty. He graduated from Gonzales High School in 1962 and attended Wharton Junior College. His many adventures and exploits early on in life eventually guided him into the US Army.  In the Army he found his calling and in the Army he thrived.

He served as a Regular Army Officer from 1967 until 1989. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant of Infantry in 1967. Further assignments included Airborne Ranger, 5th Special Forces Recondo, Jungle Warfare, Army Rotary Wing Aviator, and Armor Advanced Course. He was a highly decorated combat veteran having served with distinction in both ground and air combat operations. He commanded at both the Company and Field Grade levels. He was selected as one of the initial, hand-picked officers to lead the reconstituted 75th Airborne Ranger Regiment in Vietnam as a Long Range Combat Patrol leader.

He served in the Pentagon Army Staff on two occasions, his first assignment as the Director of military requirements and operational research and development for the Advanced Attack Helicopter Program – AAH-64 Apache. He was subsequently selected to command the Army’s first AH-64 Apache, Calvary Squadron. During this time he was selected as the US Army’s Aviator of the Year in 1986. He again served in the Pentagon as Deputy Director, Chief of Staff Army, Anti-Armor Strategic Task Force. He was selected for promotion to Colonel and Brigade Command, but chose to retire where he continued his second career in the Defense Aerospace Industry.

He was awarded 2 Legion of Merits, 2 Bronze Stars with V device for Valor and Heroism, 2 Purple Hearts, 5 Air Medals - 1 with V Device for Valor and  Heroism, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and numerous other awards, campaign ribbons and citations including the Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Senior Army Aviator Wings.

Kenny was one of kind. There are not enough adjectives to really describe him: loving, giving, honorable, brave, loyal, genuine, hero, legend (in his own mind) and just plain “fun.” He had heart of gold and would and did help so many people throughout his life. His smile could literally light up the room and the second he walked into it he would be the center of attention - he would make sure of that. He loved to entertain people, whether by a good joke, good food, or a good game of dominoes. He loved a nice robusto Cuban cigar and smooth glass of Scotch – or two – or “Just one more.”

Of all his many accomplishments, his greatest was the love he gave to his family and friends. He lived big, but he loved bigger.

He always dreamed of owning a ranch and fulfilled that dream when he bought his place in Ranger, Texas. He finally was able to be the cowboy he always wanted to be, raising his Red Angus cattle and riding his horses Hot Rod and Apache. Almost ten years of the most cherished family memories were made there. 

After he and Dorothy were married, they sold the ranch in Ranger and made their home on Sunflower Trail between McNeil (outside of Luling) and Harwood. There he continued his Cross Sabres Ranch, living life to his fullest and happiest. 

Kenny is survived by his daughter Kelly Sue McGinty and granddaughter Nolah McGinty, Aunt Sandra Atkinson, Frank Lee Atkinson and wife Laura, Matthew Atkinson and wife Cheryl and sons Ancel and Quinn, Bobby Garger and son Bobby Jr., nieces Star Brown and Brandi Teague, and nephew Brian McGinty. He is also survived by his extended family of his beloved wife Dorothy’s children and grandchildren, dearest friends Jim and Cynda Richards, John and Linda Craven and family, companion Pam Knight-Tischler, and many other cousins, family and friends too numerous to name. 

He was preceded in death by wife Dorothy McGinty, parents K. V. and Billie Jean McGinty, brother Larry McGinty, Uncle Bob Glover, Aunt Ann Atkinson, and his beloved Uncle Frank Atkinson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 28 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.  Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church with Dr. Matt Pennington officiating.  Interment with full military honors will follow at the Hermann Sons Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.  Friends may sign the guestbook and leave condolences by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com

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