Kenneth Paul Schuster, 66, of Lewisville, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, surrounded by his beloved wife, Patty, and their cherished family.

Kenny was born on December 8, 1958, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Mamie Louise and Paul Edmond Schuster. The eldest of three brothers, he spent his early years fishing and camping with his father, mother, and brothers, Keith and Michael, creating stories that would be told for years. From a young age, Kenny had a passion for history and current events—reading the newspaper at just 10 years old. He earned his Order of the Arrow ranking as a Boy Scout. Kenny was a life-long LSU Tigers fan and picked up tennis as a young adult. He loved his Maw Maw’s cooking, fresh french bread and brownies from his grandparents’ bakery.

A graduate of Glen Oaks High School, Kenny began his college journey in Monroe, Louisiana, before pursuing a career at DOW Chemical. However, his heart led him back to higher education, and he later earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from San Francisco State University.

Kenny always had a “seed of faith” as a child and sought a relationship with God as a young adult, which greatly shaped the rest of his life.

In September 1982, the stars aligned when Kenny met the love of his life, Patty, at the Baton Rouge Church of Christ. Patty knew on their first date that she could look at Kenny’s piercing blue eyes for the rest of her life. They married on August 26, 1984, and embarked on a life devoted to faith, family, and service. After six years in San Francisco, where they helped build a church ministry, Kenny and Patty moved to Dallas, Texas, in 1990 to pursue secular careers and minister to a new church community, the DFW Church of Christ.

Their life in Texas has been filled with purpose and love. Kenny and Patty raised four wonderful children: Michael, Daniel, Camille, and John. Kenny briefly worked in educational sales before returning to his true calling—serving others through ministry and nonprofit leadership. In 1998, he and Patty launched HOPE worldwide Dallas chapter, leading impactful initiatives such as measles immunization drives with the Carter Center. In partnership with the DFW Church and University of North Texas, they founded the Texas Star Academy and DFW Center for Autism, companion programs providing peer mentoring intervention for children with autism.

After leaving HOPE worldwide in 2004, Kenny transitioned into healthcare administration, serving as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and earning his Master of Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University along the way. Kenny managed many successful facilities until his retirement in 2023. Even during this period, he remained deeply involved in his children’s lives, such as coaching sports teams, pursuing college degrees, and watching them meet the loves of their lives.

Kenny’s heart for service extended far beyond the United States. In 2017, he and Patty answered a new calling, moving to Kampot, Cambodia, where Kenny served as Chief Operating Officer at Sonja Kill Memorial Hospital. In 2019, he served as the Country Director for HOPE worldwide Cambodia, overseeing two hospitals and medical clinics. After fulfilling their three-year commitment, Kenny and Patty returned home in 2020 to be near their growing family, now blessed with three beautiful granddaughters, Nora, Adeline, and June, and their newest grandson, River.

In September 2022, Kenny was diagnosed with stage 4 appendiceal cancer. True to his nature, he faced this challenge with hope, strength, and resilience. He and Patty made the most of every moment—traveling to visit family, dancing in their living room every night, enjoying Texas country music, playing guitar, and tending to their garden. After his diagnosis, Kenny and Patty planted a red oak tree, a symbol of strength and endurance, which will continue to grow for generations, just as Kenny’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched.

In August 2024, Kenny and Patty celebrated 40 years of marriage with a vow renewal, a testament to the deep love and partnership they shared.

Kenny is survived by his devoted wife, Patty; his children, Michael (Sarah), Daniel, Camille (Austin), and John; his grandchildren, Nora, Adeline, June, and River; his parents, Mamie and Paul Schuster; his brothers, Keith (Lisa) and Michael (Nunu); and countless friends and loved ones whose lives he touched. He has fought the good fight, finished the race, and is now at peace with his Heavenly Father.

A celebration of Kenny’s life will be held at Heritage Church of Christ (4201 Heritage Trace Pkwy, Fort Worth TX) on Sunday, March 30, at Heritage Church of Christ in Fort Worth. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sonja Kill Memorial Hospital in his memory.

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