Kenneth Lyle Addington

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth Addington. He was a bright spark in this world and will be deeply missed by many. Kenny’s family was unprepared for this unexpected loss, and we are devastated.

More commonly known as Kenny and affectionately known to some friends as Kenbojones, he was born at Barksdale AFB in Bossier City, Louisiana in 1965. He died in Norman on December 17, 2021.

Kenny is survived by his son Wesley, granddaughter Rylin, stepdaughters Patience and Chloe and granddaughter Stella, his mother Linda, father Edward, bonus mom Sue, his siblings Bill, Eric, Brian, Kathy, Jimmie, nine nieces and nephews Kristen, Samantha, Janelle, Troy, Chelsea, Adam, Sara, Katia, Taylor, and many other family members and friends who loved him.

When the family was asked to brainstorm words that would describe Kenny, the offerings came easily.  Tributes that filled the page included compassionate, loving, helpful, smart, sweet, loyal, selfless, funny, dependable, honest and witty. His father says, “To know Kenny is to love him.”

Kenny was not a talker, but when he said something, it was thoughtful. It was meaningful. His quick wit stunned people who didn’t know him well.

Kenny’s work ethic was unparalleled, and he never hesitated to help family and friends with anything they requested.  It was not unusual for Kenny to postpone his own weekend plans to rush to his single-mom sister’s aid and replace a car part. He was a self-taught mechanic who almost single-handedly replaced an engine in an Oldsmobile 442 with an A frame hoist in his backyard at the age of 15.

Kenny was brilliant. He once replaced the breaker panel in his house by searching tips on Google. He didn’t hesitate to work through the processes of fixing or installing anything. If he knew nothing about a project, he jumped in with both feet to learn.

People use the phrase ‘he would give anyone the shirt off of his back’ in general terms. But Kenny quite literally would. He cared about people he knew and strangers alike. When he helped people, he did it without expectations of reciprocation. He did not seek acknowledgement. In fact, he worked to avoid being the center of attention.

Anyone who knew Kenny was touched by his kindness, his sense of humor and his sweet disposition. Kenny loved fiercely, quietly and deeply. 

His family takes comfort in knowing he is now at peace.

There will be a Celebration of Life held in Kenny’s honor after the first of the year. His family is in the process of making plans and will announce a date and location soon. If you would like to contribute to this event, please send photos, comments and 'Kenny' stories to kathyh@teenempower.org.