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Kenneth Kilgore Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Kilgore
Sponsored by Gerchel E. "Daisy Dumplin" Holbert.
John Bennett
May 21, 2024
Kenneth,
It has been over 13 years since you left this Earth for your Heavenly home. I don't know if anyone has told you, but the bridge on I-44 near your church was named in your honor. Although I am not in OKC often, every time I drive over that bridge, I think of you and the trips that we took to Stillwater together. May God continue to hold you in His loving arms.
Your friend,
John Bennett
Dr. John E. Bennett
April 21, 2022
Kenneth,
The story about how you advised me that God gave me many gifts, but singing wasn't one of them still brings a smile to my face and a chuckle to those I tell.
I miss you my dear friend.
John
Jerlita Hicks-Howard
January 11, 2020
Brother Kilgore traveled to Topeka, KS in the late 70's thru early 80's to facilitate musical workshops for the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. I was very young then but I still remember most of the songs; I was too young to sing. The Hicks family loved him dearly. They're all gone now but I was unaware of his passing. I just want to send love to his family and church family. We are left on Earth, and as we pilgrim there will be more burdens to carry to the feet of GOD. My favorite song taught by Brother Kilgore says, "If I don't praise The LORD, the rocks are going to cry out...." May we remember this man's legacy is certainly touched by GOD. It was witnessed by many and we were Blessed for it! Still we know, Brother Kilgore served us in spite of challenges he had like the rest of us. He continued to let his gifts honor GOD thru teaching, sharing, and serving. Let us continue to yield back to GOD the praise HE has sown into the Earth. No rock can ever testify like the soul of mankind! To his family that remains, continue to yield praise to GOD. It remains HIS harvest, but to every believer in JESUS Christ it will deliver an eternal reward.
John Bennett
April 15, 2019
Hey old friend. I still think of you often and try to imagine the world with the changes you would have made. It certainly would be a more helpful and understanding one.
John
November 26, 2018
God certainly blessed my life when He arranged for my path to cross Kenneth's. We were classmates at OSU and drove to and from class from OKC together.
I remember being in a group with him where he, Linda Poe, and I were studying bullying in public schools in a research project. I came into the classroom singing something and Kenneth told me, "God gave you many gifts, singing is NOT one of them.
I love and miss my dear friend. I know for a fact that he is leading an Ambassador choir in Heaven.
Dr. John Bennett
Janice Hamilton (Kennedy)
November 25, 2018
Mr. Kilgore was my sixth grade teacher, his second year of teaching. We performed an end of the year musical about American history. I considered the practice and performance fun but hard work (I can't sing). It was not until I got to high school that I realized he had actually taught us history in the process of us having fun. Mr. Kilgore was the embodiment of a great teacher, one of my favorites. After high school I tracked him down and he agreed to play the organ at my wedding. I've often thought of him with fond memories and intentions of tracking him down again. Now I am too late but he will always have a special place in my heart.
Sonya Mitchell
February 11, 2017
Dr Kilgore was the director of Music at St John Missionary Baptist Church when I was a kid growing up. I loved him so much. My Mom loved him and she recently passed. The Music director at the Church now Terry Spigner worked with Dr Kilgore for years!! What a beautiful legacy you left. You were truly gone too soon.
John Bennett
March 20, 2013
God blessed my life when He introduced me to you Kenneth. I will always fondly remember our drives to Stillwater for class. God's Heavenly choir is blessed to have Kenneth; for those of us left behind we can only await the day we are together again.
Johnnie Mae wesley Fuller
April 15, 2012
Kenneth was a good friend I miss him and his music.
Debbie Barnett
April 14, 2012
Great peron to know...he is missed!!
Wally Brown
May 16, 2011
He was a friend, and I liked him and I liked his music.
Tracy Thompson Austin
April 29, 2011
I will dearly miss my Bishop College alumni. See you on the other side my friend.
Peace
rhonda marshall
April 29, 2011
uncle kenneth has been in my life all48 yrs of my life and he will always have a place in my heart from 6 weeks old till god called him home i love my kenneth, I LOVE YOU ,LOVE YOUR RHONDA ,SEE U IN HEAVEN
Sam Vladovich
April 24, 2011
Our local community and choral musicians everywhere mourn the loss of Dr. Kenneth E. Kilgore, while celebrating the gift we had in his extraordinary life! His unwavering dedication to Christian music and American Spirituals throughout the past 40 years have made a significant impact on the lives of people all over the world. While we will greatly miss Kenneth, we are comforted by the fact that he is now with our Savior, and in knowing that his life's work will continue on with all of his singers in the Ambassadors' Concert Choir. May God bless and comfort Kenneth's friends and family. Let music live!
Raywood Joubert
April 23, 2011
Dr. Kenneth Kilgore was a great individual and an accomplished musician. He was the strongest music Director I have ever witness. He commanded perfection with everyone under his supervision. In addition, to coming from a God fearing home and Christian back ground, Kenneth knew exactly what his calling was and embraced his God given talent to the fullest degree. I want to take this opportunity to thank Kenneth for his music, his vision for his choir, and all of his musicals and most importantly his passion to be the best at his craft. Kenneth's spirit will always live within the Godly walls of St. John Missionary Baptist Church.
Sharon Burris
April 22, 2011
To The Family of Dr Kenneth Kilgore,
my condolences, his steps were ordered.
Hold on to God's Unchanging Hands.
Sharon Joyce Bluitt-Burris
North Las Vegas, NV
Classmate DHS 1965
Paula Suzette Hardeman
April 22, 2011
Kenneth, your spirit lives on forever! In pleasant and fun-filled memories, and always in music/song! God Bless You "Dr. Mistro". Love, Paula Suzette Hardeman
Tawana Young
April 22, 2011
I was first introduced to Mr. Kilgore through my husband, Christopher L. Young in 1998. Mr. Kilgore and Terry played at our wedding on February 13, 1999 at St. John Baptist Church. Mr. Kilgore always looked out for our family and my husband's spiritual development in music whether it was jazz, gospel, or classical. He always had words of wisdom and a great sense of humor. Mr. Kilgore accepted me with open arms and I really respected him for his love and humbleness. He will be greatly missed in Oklahoma, in the church and has a friend. The Young family will never forget you, your friendship and your love for the Lord.
Mable Steele
April 22, 2011
April 22,2011
I shall always remember Kenneth Kilgore. He was a great musician at St. John Missionary Baptist Church for at least 50 years. I worked along with him during my tenure at St. John as Secretary from 1988 - 1999. He was a fun person to be around. We will certainly miss him. My prayers go out to Mrs. Peters and Warren Peters, Jr. that God will continue to bless you.
La'Jeune K. James
April 22, 2011
I always looked up to Mr. Kilgore as a young aspiring musician/choir director. I used to ride with my aunt the late Jewell Brown to all of St. John's MBC musicals and record. This was all apart of my training and it has enabled me to go many places and open many doors because of my early musical influences.
He will be greatly missed all over the world but mainly in Oklahoma where he set a standard in Church Music that will never be forgotten amongst all that sat under him. Maestro is now apart of the Heavenly Orchestra!!!
La'Jeune K. James - Los Angeles, CA.
James Brown
April 22, 2011
It is with great sorrow that we part with our brother and friend, Dr. Kenneth Kilgore on this side of Jordan, but oh what joy when we meet on the other side. When he reach that blessed homeland, where there's everlasting day; on that bright and blessed morning, God shall wipe all tears away.
Always bear in mind that spirit was never born and spirit can never die. Remember that God gives grace for each trial, and courage for each sorrow and faith to face in confidence a blessed, sweet, blissful and bright tomorrow.
I had the pleasure of meeting Kenneth Kilgore many years ago during his days at Bishop College. He was a very talented and unique God fearing young man. As I go to my Heavenly Father in prayer, I will ask for a special blessing for the entire family of Dr. Kenneth Kilgore. Sail on young warrior until you reach the Jordan Shores and become a member of the great Heavenly Chorus.
With warm regards,
James Brown
Adjunct Professor of Fine Arts
Tarrant County College District
Northeast Campus
Hurst, Texas
Juana Rucker-Keys
April 21, 2011
I will always be thankful for the musical encouragement Uncle Kenneth gave to me as a young girl. From those days in Guthrie to my years spent as a member of St. John, he has always been there for my family. I treasures the memories and can almost hear him playing the organ among the angels. You'll never be forgotten. My dearest condolences to all that knew and loved him.
Maurice Franklin
April 21, 2011
My prayers go out to the family, friends and all the lives that Kenneth touched. I'm truly grateful to have known you and will never forget our special conversations.
Colleen
April 21, 2011
Kenneth Kilgore was a great asset to Oklahoma City. His musical talent added so much to our city's culture in many different arenas. His contribution to the preservation of Negro Spiritual Music is especially noteworthy. We have lost a real treasure.
Gerald Murray
April 21, 2011
Kenneth was truly a great man. I've known him and his family over 50 years and can say with all honesty that he was the most gifted musician I have ever known personally. My grandmother was especially fond of Kenneth and very proud of his accomplishments that she was here to see. Through all of his great achievements he remained the same gentle man that I grew up knowing. No words can adequately express his loss to his immediate family or the St. John family that meant so much to him. I can only say there's a new angel in heaven and his name is Dr. Kenneth Kilgore.
April 21, 2011
My husband and Kenneth were friends for 30 years - W. J. loved Kenneth like a brother, and the only bright spot I can find in knowing that he is not here any more is that he is with my beloved husband singing God's praises - and laughing like little boys - in the presence of the angels. God bless this man for what he meant to so many people for so many years. I shall miss him until I get to join him in Heaven.
Marie Davis, First Baptist Church, OKC
Larry Foster, Sr.
April 21, 2011
God's blessings on the family of Dr. Kenneth Kilgore and the St. John Missionary Baptist Church Family. Much Love. IHS
Vernona Dismuke
April 21, 2011
I did not know Dr. Kilgore personally, but I thank God for his life, legacy and his influence in music world-wide. Your presence will most certainly be missed.
God bless his family and friends. All of you.
Dr. Betty Joubert
April 21, 2011
Kenneth and I go way back, almost 50 years. He was a friend and a true musician. He taught me the secrets of hitting high notes. As a scholar, I assisted him with applying the finishing touches on his dissertation. He will be missed. Dr. Betty Joubert
April 21, 2011
I will always love and admire Dr. Kenneth Kilgore. A good and cherished friend. We shared many special and intimate moments together. He was my very first friend when Dr. Major Jemison and I moved to Oklahoma. I quietly and hurtfully moan his death but he is now happily singing praises to our Heavenly Father.
Much Love, Lady Jacqueline Jemison 1st Lady St. John
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