Kenneth L. Horne, a respected interior designer and prominent figure in the East Texas community, passed away on December 22, 2025, at The Hamptons in Tyler, Texas. He was 95 years old. Horne, known affectionately as Ken, was born on March 14, 1930, in Mitchell, Louisiana, to Catherine and Lee Horne. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to Gladewater, Texas, before eventually settling in Kilgore during the early days of the East Texas Oil Boom.
From a young age, Ken displayed a keen interest in education and design. He began his schooling in Kilgore and graduated from Kilgore High School in 1948. Following high school, he attended Kilgore Junior College, earning an Associate of Arts degree in 1950. Horne then pursued further studies at the University of Texas at Austin, where he aimed for a degree in business. His academic journey was interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served two years, completing basic training at Camp Roberts Military Base in California and later attending officer candidate school at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Upon his return to the University of Texas, Ken completed his education and embarked on a career in the retail sector. He began working for Sanger Brothers Department Store in Dallas in June 1955, specializing in home furnishings and design. Ken excelled in the management training program, graduating at the top of his class. After leaving Sanger Brothers in spring 1957, he returned to Kilgore to join Almands House of Furnishings, where he remained until the store’s closure in 1992. Horne then established his own interior design business, which flourished for over five decades, serving clients across East Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
Throughout his career, Ken was deeply involved in professional organizations. He was a member of the American Society of Interior Designers and the Better Business Association. His contributions to the community extended beyond his profession; he was a devoted member of Marvin Methodist Church and previously St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Kilgore, where he participated in various activities, including the Marvin Chancel Choir and adult classes.
Ken’s commitment to his community also included involvement with the Willow Brook Country Club and the Amberwood Home Owners Association, where he held multiple leadership roles. He is remembered by family and friends for his warm spirit and dedication to service.
He is survived by his niece, Susan Diciolla, and her husband Kenny, along with his nephew, Brian Gonzales, both of Wildomar, California. Other relatives and close friends, including Virginia and Paul Low, Frank and Mrs. Parker, and Maurice and Mrs. Wingo, also mourn his passing.
A memorial graveside service is scheduled for 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 legacy as an influential designer and community member will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
