TYLER — Kenneth L. Horne, a prominent figure in the East Texas interior design community, passed away on December 22, 2025, at The Hamptons in Tyler, Texas. He was 95 years old. Known affectionately as Ken, he left behind a legacy of creativity and dedication to his craft, which spanned more than five decades.
Early Life and Education
Born on March 14, 1930, in Mitchell, Louisiana, Ken was the son of Catherine and Lee Horne. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to Gladewater, Texas, amid the burgeoning East Texas Oil Boom, which made housing scarce. Ken began his education at Kilgore High School, graduating in 1948. He then attended Kilgore Junior College and earned an Associate of Arts degree in 1950 before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin.
While pursuing a degree in business, Ken was drafted into the United States Army. He completed basic training at Camp Roberts in California and attended officer candidate school at Fort Benning, Georgia, serving for two years before returning to his studies.
Career in Interior Design
After completing his education at the University of Texas, Horne began his professional journey at Sanger Brothers Department Store in Dallas, where he worked in the home furnishings and design department as an Assistant Buyer/Manager. His performance in their management training program was exemplary, culminating in his graduation as the top student in his class. Ken worked at Sanger Brothers from June 1955 until spring of 1957, when he returned to Kilgore to join Almands House of Furnishings.
His tenure at Almands lasted until the store’s closure in 1992, after which he established his own business. Over the years, Ken served a diverse clientele throughout East Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana, becoming a respected member of the American Society of Interior Designers and the Better Business Association.
Community Involvement and Legacy
Ken was a lifelong member of Marvin Methodist Church and previously attended St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Kilgore, where he participated in the Chancel Choir and various adult classes. His commitment to community extended beyond his church involvement; he was also a member of the Willow Brook Country Club and served on the board of the Amberwood Homeowners Association.
He is survived by his niece, Susan Diciolla, and nephew, Brian Gonzales, both from Wildomar, California, along with many other relatives and friends, including Virginia and Paul Low, Frank Parker, Avery Bengtson, Maurice Wingo, Steve Pickett, and Mary Lynn Powell.
A memorial graveside service is scheduled for December 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in Kilgore City Cemetery. The service will be officiated by Rev. Buddy Powell and Rev. Brandy Stevens, and is arranged by Stewart Family Funeral Home in Tyler.
Ken Horne’s contributions to interior design and his active participation in the community have left a lasting impact, and he will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
