Kenneth Reding

Kenneth Milton Reding, 83, of Kempner, passed away Thursday, February 22, 2024, at a local hospital in Gatesville.

His Visitation will be on February 29th, 2024, at 10:00 AM followed by his Funeral Service at 11:00 AM both held at Keys Valley Baptist Church, 4393 US Highway 190 in Belton. His Graveside Service will follow at Killeen Memorial Park Cemetery in Killeen at 1:00 PM.

Kenneth Milton Reding, Ken or “PaPa” to his grandchildren and family, was born on March 6, 1940, to Milton and Myrtle Jo Reding in Killeen, Texas. A Cowboy of many talents and endless dreams, Ken leaves behind a legacy that will forever be cherished by his family and friends. Rodeoing was where he found solace - riding horses and bulls brought him immense joy in his younger days. After many years of working in the ranching business and construction industry, Ken’s love of leather work began. He created exquisite hand tooled saddles, tack, boots, belts and more. He always considered his hard work as just “putterin’ around” not work!

His proudest accomplishment was his family. His deep, unconditional love was felt by all.

Ken will be remembered for his relaxed, easy-going and unhurried character, taking life in stride and finding happiness in every moment.

His memory will live on through his resilience, creativity, and most importantly, for being a loving Daddy and PaPa who encouraged others to chase their dreams just as passionately as he did throughout his remarkable life journey.

We will miss hearing him pick his guitar while gathered at his home he treasured on “Smoot Hill.”

Kenneth Reding is preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Myrtle Jo Reding, his daughter Kristy Kay Reding, and his sister Eva Jo Brown.

He is survived by his son, Cully Reding and his wife, Kristy of Kempner; his daughter, Keni Somerville and her husband, Doug of Midlothian; his sister, Sandra Faye Baumgardner of Alva, OK; his grandchildren, Ryan Morrison and his wife, Angela of Covington, Katy Watts and her husband, Chase of Midlothian, Cally McKenzie Reding of Kempner; his great-grandchildren, Hudson Hays Morrison, Savvy Jane Morrison, Caroline Kate Watts, Davis Carter Watts; numerous other family members; as well as a multitude of friends whose lives were touched by his kindness.

Arrangements are entrusted to Crotty Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Belton.

Psalms 91:1-2 NIV

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”