Kenneth Callens

Kenneth Callens
A Celebration of Life for Kenneth “Pops” Callens, 72, of Kilgore will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2020, at Grace Fellowship Church of Kilgore with Rev. Brian Nutt officiating. Interment will follow in the Danville Cemetery. Mr. Callens completed his earthly journey on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, following a courageous battle with dementia/Alzheimer’s.
Kenneth was born on July 8, 1948, in Kilgore, to William and Doris Callens. He graduated from Kilgore High School in 1966. Kenneth went on to study and play football at Northwestern State University in Louisiana. While at Northwestern he was part of the football team that won the National Championship in 1966 and he loved to tell anyone and everyone about that experience. He also received a bachelor’s degree upon his graduation. He dutifully and faithfully served his country in the United States Army National Guard for 28 years retiring as a 1st Sergeant. He worked for Central Freight Lines for 38 years until his retirement. Kenneth married the love of his life Ginger McDaniel in May of 1970 and they spent the next 50 years making many loving and happy memories. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, playing golf and tinkering around the house and in the yard. The Callens are long time members of Grace Fellowship Church in Kilgore and Kenneth served as a deacon for the church. His family, who called him “Pops” was the source of his strength and spending time with them was when he was happiest. He will be greatly missed for being a loving and devoted husband, father, son, grandfather and friend.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Ginger Callens of Kilgore; daughters, Brandy Callens Hairell and her husband Russell of New Waverly, Candice Callens Faye and her husband Kristopher of Midland; grandchildren, Riley Hairell, Kendall Beale, Tanner Faye, Bradley Hairell, Jackson Beale, Avery Faye; mother, Doris Callens of Kilgore; brother, Gary Callens and his wife Ann of Liberty City. Also, left to carry on his legacy are numerous nieces, nephews, friends and other loving family members.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his father and his brother Sammy Callens.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, July 17, 2020, from 6 until 8 in the evening. Please be aware that face coverings for people 10 and older are required as well as maintaining social distancing. A memorial registry book will be available for signatures.
Memorials may be made in his name to Grace Fellowship Church, 308 Kay St., Kilgore, Tx, 75662.


Online condolences may be left at www.raderfuneralhome.com