Kenneth Ray Syrus

On November 11, 1962, William and Ruth Mae (Doss) Syrus was blessed with the birth of a beautiful baby boy. They gave him the name of Kenneth Ray. Affectionately called Ken or Kenny Ray by family and friends. Ken grew up in Muskogee, OK where he attended and graduated from Muskogee High School with the class of 1981. Ken left for Kansas City, MO a year later and resided in several cities, including Lubbock. Prior to settling in Amarillo in 1991, Ken decided he would be a cook. He managed Gardskis Restaurant. He became a chef, his specialty, barbecue. He opened two restaurants in Amarillo, Syrus Restaurant and Catering and co-owner of the Blue Jacket Restaurant Catering. Ken furthered his education in Residential and Commercial Wiring/Motor Control, Le Cordon Bleu, L'Art Culinaire by Wayne Gisslen (self studies), Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 1993. The center for Professional Development College of Business Administration. Ken also did a lot of volunteer work along side of his busy chef's career. He volunteered with the Back to School Supply Drive in 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2003. Supplied school supplies to over 250 children each year.He was Vice President for Mayfest (powerfest) 1997 and 1998. Helped feed over 400 people, donated canned goods, shoes, clothing and toys. Ken was a self employed caterer while he worked for Amarillo Country Club and Marty's Restaurant. Even though Ken's health had started to fail he continued his work. Ken was united in matrimony to La Sheria Marie McGuire on August 1995. One child was added to this union. A daughter whom he cherished. Ken left to his eternal rest on June 7, 2009 in Amarillo, TX. Ken was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Mae (Doss) Syrus.Those he leaves behind to cherish his memories are his father, William Syrus, Muskogee, OK, one daughter, Chantel Syrus, Lubbock, TX, stepson, TATadrian Green, Dallas, TX, one brother, William Syrus Jr. (Thea) Muskogee, OK, 7 sisters, Patsy Canady (Walter), Kansas City, MO, Linda Mackey (Raymond), Muskogee, OK, Wilma Thompson (Charles), Oklahoma City, OK, Barbara Berry, Muskogee, OK, Armetta Syrus, Muskogee, OK, Brenda Bell (Terrell), Muskogee, OK, Pamela Hale, Muskogee OK. A special longtime friend, Regina Edwards, Amarillo, TX, mother and father-in-law, Mannie and Gladys Williams, Dallas, TX. A host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A special friend like a mother, Joyce Blackmon. Services for Ken will be held in Muskogee, OK, Saturday, June 13, 2009 at the Church of Christ 18th and Denison at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow immediately after the service at Booker T. Washington Cemetery.