Kenneth R. Medders of Pass Christian passed away suddenly on November 1, 2007. He was born on June 28, 1943 in Anniston, AL. He was an avid Alabama fan and you could always hear "Roll Tide Roll" echo whenever he was around. He was well known as "POK".
Kenny is survived by his loving wife and best friend Sandra Ann, stepdaughter Gina Sanders of Vancleave, sister Peggy Morgan and Gary of Gadsden, AL, son Ken Medders Jr. and Barbie of Texas, daughter Missy Treezer of Missouri and several grandchildren. He will also be missed by his constant companions Ð Stormy and Sunny his beloved Shih Tzu's.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents Ray Edward Medders and Annie Neely Adams Medders.
Kenny received a basketball scholarship to Austin Peabody College in Clarksville, TN where he graduated. He later served four years in the United States Air Force with an Honorable discharge.
Kenny was a proud member of the gaming industry for the bulk of his lifetime, having worked in various regions of the country to include Nevada, Mississippi and New York. His gaming travels and experiences were wide and varied, and Kenny was sure to make his mark at each stop along the way. His name will never be forgotten amongst fellow workers in this industry, and each time his name is mentioned, the words "Peaches and Cream" are sure to follow close behind. He was always ready with a joke or story and there were many.
Kenny did not wish to have a funeral or a viewing; he wanted everyone to remember him as he lived. His family will be holding a Memorial Cocktail Party to celebrate Kenny's life at a date to be determined where we will all raise our glass to Kenny and share some of his stories.
Kenny asks of his friends and family that we not mourn the end of his time, but instead celebrate the life he led. He wanted to be remembered with a smile on his face, a drink in his hand and a song in his heart. He always said Humphrey Bogart was right when he said: "The world is always two cocktails behind". Those of you that knew Kenny knew that he would never let that happen.
Kenny enjoyed playing golf and growing a vegetable garden large enough to feed neighbors and friends. Some close and very dear friends are: John Ferrucci, Jim and Hazel Revis, Jack and Kim Williams, Ben Mains, Don Owens, Steve Dodge, Al Hite, Bill and Claudette Ward, Russ "Big Daddy" Chaffman, Herb Taylor and several others too numerous to mention. Roll Tide Roll.
View and sign register book at bradfordokeefe.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Gino and Breda DeJoy
November 1, 2024
RIP Kenny
Gino DeJoy
October 31, 2022
RIP Kenny
Andrea "Bear-Bear" Laughing-Wilson
November 4, 2008
Dear Family of Kenny,
I remember meeting Kenny at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino training center like it was yesterday!! He knew exactly how to make everyone feel like they were part of the team and if it wasn't for him I would have never made to or through my craps class. He was one of the best teachers I ever had!!! I miss him dearly and hope that your hearts are lifted every time someone signs this book.
I'd bet he's having fun running the dice pit in Heaven!!
Keep 'em rolling Kenny!!!
Sandy Medders
November 1, 2008
It has been one year today that I lost my best friend and husband. It seems like just yesterday we were laughing about something because that is what we did all the time. The world is a much different place now. I will love Kenny, miss him always and never forget what a special man he was.
I would like to thank all of the family and friends that have helped me through this past year. I don't know what I would have done without all of you. Know this - it never gets better, you just try to learn to live with what happened.
I would also like to thank my daughter, Gina. Thank you for your love and support. I love you.
I miss you Kenneth Ray.....
Sincerely,
Sandra Ann
PS Please raise your glass at 5pm today in honor of Kenny.
Priscilla Gober
June 18, 2008
Dearest Peggy, I don't know where to begin. To hear of Kenneth's death was so shocking. It just doesn't seem real. You, Kenneth and your parents will always hold a special place in my heart. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you in the days ahead.
Evelyn Sterling
November 23, 2007
Sandy, know that I think of you often. I am sorry for your sadness. You know where your peace is going to come from and I know that guidance through this will come in order as you are emotionally able. I miss talking with you. You are in my prayers.
Susan Snyder-Browning
November 20, 2007
Kenny's Family... I got to know Kenny in Lake Tahoe in 1973. He was then a very unique and warm man. We had a family atmosphere then on graveyard shift and he was the Big Brother. I will always remmember Alabama and his wonderful charm. All my sincere condolences to you.
carolyn marcato
November 16, 2007
Hi Kenny. I never had the pleasure of meeting you but if my sweet Sandy loved you as much as she did I know you had to be special. You enhanced her life as no one before you was able to do.Her memories of you will always be fresh and alive and I will be hearing about you for years to come.Blessing and love to both of you.
Gino DeJoy
November 14, 2007
Sandy,
We will miss our good friend, POK,
the good times were always 'peaches and cream'.
The rest of the world was always two cocktails behind, but not Kenny.
We loved him,
Gino and Breda DeJoy
Truth Byrd
November 14, 2007
Sandy,
I am so sorry for you. Kenny Medders was one of my very best friends and I will miss the advise he would share with me. I am so glad Kenny found you and what a wonderful life you two had together. I love you and I will see you in two weeks.
All my love,
Truth Byrd
Rebel (John) & Mozel Byrd
November 13, 2007
Sandy,
We are so sorry to hear about Kenny. Rebel really did miss pestering him about the Alabama game. Matter of fact he talked "loudly" to Kenny several times during the game!! He will surely not be forgotten by us.
Leslie Patrick
November 13, 2007
Sandy,
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Kenny. "Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow,
May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow." ~Author Unknown
Mike & Millie Madsen
November 13, 2007
Dear Family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss, as we have know Kenny since 1968 as the "head Dealer" on the #1 crap crew at Harriah's Lake Tahoe. His Southern charm & ability for fun & fellowship made him an instance friend & always put a smile on our face! We pray you are comforted by his memories as you look back on his very special life.May God bless you with peace and joy. All our Love and Prayers, Mike & Millie Madsen
Dawn and Mike Smith
November 12, 2007
Kenny was the first shift manager my husband and I ever had when we broke in at the Grand Biloxi. Anyone who got to know him had great respect and trust in him and for him. He was a mentor and a friend. Thank You Kenny for a the laughs and knowledge. You will be missed.
Mike Kelly
November 12, 2007
POK - You will be missed. One of the measures of a man's life is how he reached out and touched others lives. There are a multitude of debts owed to your leadership, kindness and love. Thanks.
A toast to Kenny's new adventure.
Al Hite
November 12, 2007
Cindy and I regret your loss and wish we could ease you grief. Our prayers are with you...
POK never met a stranger and we hit it off on our first meeting. Our fiendship grew as the years went by..He will be missed greatly, but, the fond memories of the good times we had together will be in my thoughts as I recall our friendship.
With deepest sympathies,
Al and Cindy Hite
Robbyn Kelly
November 11, 2007
Dear Sandy and Family,
Having known Kenny since 1973 I can honestly say he will be missed by all of us. May you find comfort
in your memories and love that you
shared.
We met in Lake Tahoe and remained
friends for all these years. Life
is too short!
My sincere sympathy.
Robbyn Kelly
Kelley Bosarge
November 11, 2007
I worked with Kenny at the Grand Biloxi and he was by far, my favorite boss in the casino industry, and one I will never forget. He taught me alot about being strong, and confident. I learned the truth was very important to him, and as long as you told him the truth, he would always respect you and help you in any way he could. He is and will be sadly missed.
Thomas Golly
November 10, 2007
POK - Kenny, now you can watch all the 'Bama games you want. You were a good man and the absolute best shift manager I ever had. I hope that everything for you will always be "peaches and cream."
Michael Langfels
November 10, 2007
Sandy, I am so sorry to hear of yours and our loss here on the coast. Kenny tought me how to deal dice at the Grand Biloxi dealing school back in 1993. Besides dice he tought me alot about taking life in stride. My life is richer for knowing him. Every thing is "Peaches and Cream".
Russ "Big Daddy" Chaffman
November 10, 2007
Sandy, My deepest sympathy. Kenny was a good friend and we shared many good times together.
Herb Taylor
November 10, 2007
Sandy, What can I say? Everyone knew we were Lone Ranger and Tonto!! If you need me I'm here. Herb
Mike Bechard
November 10, 2007
Sandy
I worked with and for Kenny at both Magic's. Kenny was the Southern Gentleman. I learned a lot from that man and I have missed him since I left MS. and came to Calif. The most important lesson I learned was stay away from him in the pits if Bama lost. Kenny you will and are going to be missed. You were a good, sorry great boss!
Devorah Kaiser
November 9, 2007
Sandy and family~~
Please know that Kenny left many memories, laughs and taught many people many things about life and the casino industry. He was well respected and will always be highly regarded. We have all lost many people in our lives and Kenny is another loss for us all. I do hope you realize we are all looking forward to the "get together" you are planning. We definitely want to be able to pay our respects to you and him. Stay strong for that is what he would have wanted.
Devorah
Antoinette "Tee" Bigtree
November 9, 2007
Kenny will be greatly missed by the number of friends and colleagues he made in Northern New York. Kenny was a man I looked up to and admired. It was my honor to have worked with Kenny! I will forever remember all that he taught me and all the great memories we had working together! Will miss you lots!
Kate Boquet
November 9, 2007
Sandy, I am so sorry about your loss, but I know you will remember the good times and find comfort in those.
Janice Dowdle
November 9, 2007
Peggy & Sandy,
Just the mention of Kenny's name brings memories of the many weekends and holidays he spent at our home while growing up - favorites include the pillow fight between Peggy and Kenny (pillows completely destroyed) and Kenny throwing Mother's homemade biscuits against the wall to see if they would bounce or knock a hole in the wall. Then the memory of Kenny's face when Mother took him the handmade Alabama quilt at the Grand. You know he was special for her to have made that quilt for him. Our thoughts and prayers are with both of you!
Christopher Eger
November 9, 2007
Mr Medders, I did not personally know you but I could not help but know of you. It is truly my loss for not having done so. Please know that your family is in my heart and in my prayers. May the love that they have around them help them through the days ahead without you.
With Sincerest Sympathy,
Larry & Shelby Beale
November 8, 2007
Sandy, It is really hard to put into words or knowing the right words at this difficult time. The one word that is for certain.. "Love" you are so Loved by so many of us. All we can hope for is that you can feel our "Love" always and that it helps you today and all the tomorrows to come.
Liz & J.A. De Iorio
November 8, 2007
Sandy,
We are so sorry for your loss. Kenny was a great boss and a good friend to many of us at the GRAND for many years. He always had a story and some wise words of advice that I know I will never forget. POK will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Gina Sanders
November 8, 2007
The world never had or lost a better man, and while my sadness over losing him is immense, I am grateful for the time I had with him. The experience that was getting to know Kenny was a mighty fun and interesting ride and not a moment of it will ever be forgotten. I will miss his stories, shared experiences, and the ever present smile on his face.
Kenny was very much loved--not only by my mother, but also by myself, and he graciously returned all the love he was given and then some. He had a huge, full heart with a place in it for everyone. I can only hope I did as good of a job of filling the spot in his heart, as he did of filling the spot in mine.
I love you, Kenny Medders.
And Mom, I love you, too.
Beth & Wayne May
November 7, 2007
Sandy, Wayne and I are so saddened by your loss. Kenny will surely be missed by all. The neighborhood won't be the same without him. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Please feel free to call on us if you need anything.
Love, Beth & Wayne May
Kenny (Jr) & Barbie Medders
November 7, 2007
Dad you are loved and will be missed. We will charish the loving memories we had with you.
Love,
Jr. and Family
Hazel Revis
November 7, 2007
Sandy, we are nearby for you any time you need us during this difficult time and time to come. We will never forget Kenny. We are thinking of you often and love you.
Hazel & Jim
Jerry Najman
November 7, 2007
Kenny was a great person that always brought a smile to everyone's face. We all need to take comfort in knowing that he has moved on to a better place. God bless you Kenny, you were a great friend.
Julie Puzz Swanzy
November 7, 2007
We had the pleasure of working with Kenny at Casino Magic Biloxi. Kenny was an extremely nice person to all that he met. We will definitely have a few cocktails tonight in his honor.
Roll Tide Roll
Troy & Julie Swanzy
BEN & CLAUDIA
November 7, 2007
AS I'VE ALWAYS SAID, HE MIGHT NOT BE IN A CLASS BY HIMSELF, BUT IT WOULDN'T TAKE LONG TO CALL ROLL. I'M SO GREATFUL THAT HE MADE IT OUT HERE TO SPEND A FEW DAYS WITH US A YEAR AGO. THE ONLY THING MISSING WAS SANDRA ANN. WHAT A TIME WE HAD. THEY SAY IF A MAN HAS FIVE GOOD FRIENDS IN HIS LIFETIME HE'S VERY LUCKY. I NOW HAVE FOUR. CLAUDIA AND I WILL MISS HIM SO. I KNOW THERE WILL BE A BIG HOLE IN YOUR HEART BUT YOU WILL SOON FILL IT WITH FOND MEMORIES. WE'RE ONLY A PHONE CALL AWAY. ALL OUR LOVE.
Marcia Bunge
November 6, 2007
Sandy,
Kenny was not only a former colleague but a great "Bama" buddy. We had many good times working together, but the best times were talking University of Alabama football. We recently talked about a possible national championship under our new coach, Nick Saban. I will miss my good buddy and my Bama friend. I poured a glass of scotch and sipped it at kick off on Saturday, saluting my dear friend Kenny. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Sincerely,
Marcia Bunge
Roll Tide Roll....for Kenny
Joel Kavanagh
November 6, 2007
I was able to briefly get to know Kenny as his former physician. I was in the habit of calling him "Mr. Medders" which always drove him crazy but I finally learned. He always had a story to tell and a smile on his face, which always made everyone else's face in the office (mine most of all) light up in a smile too. He made an impression and will be missed.
Elaine Berta
November 6, 2007
There was only one POK and will never be another. Randy always considered Kenny a good friend and someone who watched his back. I used to love it when those two got together and told war stories. It was always lots of fun and very entertaining. I will think of him fondly. My condolences to you all.
Frank Brass
November 6, 2007
Sandra I've known Kenny since Gus an he came into my restaurant in 1993. I "salut" him and look forward to seein you.
Always, Frank
Connie Vines
November 6, 2007
Sandy,
I want you to know how very sorry I am . I know your life was forever changed when you met Kenny, he loved you so much, remember your laughter he wouldn't want that to stop. I love you and hope to see you at the "Party". Larry and Connie
Leslie & Debbie Clark
November 6, 2007
Sandy,
We I are so sorry for your loss. Kenny will always be considered a friend and will be greatly missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.Please call if you need anything at all.
MARY GLAZIER
November 6, 2007
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT KENNY I WORKED AT THE MAGIC WITH HIM , HE ALWAY HAD A JOKE OR SOMETHING SILLY TO TELL.HE KEPT US LAUGHING . REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES
Carole Lorenzo
November 6, 2007
Sandy,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
May the memory of him live forever in your heart.
Heather Dauzat
November 6, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you Sandy, my heart hurts to know he is gone, but his memory will live on! If you need anything at all!
AmieJo Travis (Grand Biloxi VIP)
November 6, 2007
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.
Logene Gartman Studdard
November 6, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Duane diaz
November 6, 2007
Sorry is not adequate, devastated is really how I feel about losing one of my best personal friends,confidant and co worker. Every one that met Kenny has stories. He was a very honest man and told you like it was. Yes peaches and cream.He lways made your day when you got to spend time with him. I've spent a few interesting times with him myself. I'm sure that he and the BEAR will never quit talking about the Tide.
A Man that loved life so much.I know that I will never forget him
Sandra Henry
November 6, 2007
Peggy,I'm so sorry to hear of your great lose. I know there had always been a special bond between you and Kenny. I'm sorry to say I hadn't seen Kenny since we were kids, but have heard of Kenny's kindness and thoughtfullness from our Aunt Clara. I pray your sweet memories of Kenny will give you comfort.
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