Kenneth Ross Mcilroy

Kenneth McIlroy was many things to many people: He was a devoted husband and brother, a loving father, and a doting DaDaw who most loved reading books with his grandchildren, riding bikes, and serving others.

He was born in Abilene in 1950 to Mary Nell and Ross McIlroy.  They moved to Austin and he spent his Reagan High School years playing guitar in a band.  His family faithfully attended First Baptist Church, Austin.  He attended business school at Hardin-Simmons where he was president of Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity, began life-long friendships, and graduated with a degree in Economics.  He enjoyed his burnt orange corvette and motorcycle and they were perfect for him at that time in his life.

Upon graduation in 1972, he worked for a bank in Abilene and then returned to his home in Austin as an auditor for a finance company. His next job at American Bank led him to his wife, Donna.  They married in 1978 at Hyde Park Baptist Church, where he served on the finance committee and was ordained as a deacon.  Leslie and Megan came along and he began his best part of his career as a dad.

When employment with EDS brought Kenneth to Dallas, he moved his family to Richardson. His career took him to TransAmerica, JP Morgan Chase, and he retired from the FDIC in 2016.  He volunteered for 14 years as a mentor with the Career Transition Workshop. The family has also been active members at Prestonwood Baptist Church since the early 90’s.

Kenneth was a loyal friend who had a genuine interest in others.  He was a brilliant teacher and gave of his time and talents immeasurably.  Friends sought his wisdom and discernment and looked at him as a worthy confidante who focused attention on them and their needs. Not a conversation went by that did not end in “what can I do for you?” Anyone who met him heard how proud he was of Donna, his children and grandchildren.  Gentle, kind, respectful, and wise, he was a blessing to all who knew him.

Kenneth was born July 19, 1950, in Abilene, Texas, and died March 2, 2020, in Richardson, Texas. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Donna, his daughter Leslie and her husband Michael Massenburg and their children Callie, Gavin, and Clark; his daughter Megan and her husband Zach Johnson; his brother Jim McIlroy and his wife Bonnie. He is also dearly loved by cousins, nieces and nephews, and brothers and sisters-in-law.  He was preceded in death by his parents Ross and Mary Nell McIlroy.

There will be a private family burial and then a Celebration of Life Service at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Faith Chapel at 2:00 pm on Friday, March 6, 2020.  The family will receive guests in the Commons immediately following the service.

Memorial donations may be made to BridgeBuilders, c/o Prestonwood Baptist Church, 6801 W. Park Blvd., Plano, Texas 75093. (Please note “in honor of Ken McIlroy”).