KENNETH WEST

Henderson, TN: Kenneth Elzie West, age 76, passed away January 22, 2026, at his home.

He was born July 27, 1949, in St. Louis, MO, the son of the late Elzie Noel and Susie Katerine Bowling West and lived in St. Louis, MO until his family moved to Henderson in 1961. He attended school in Chester County and got his degree in education at U.T. Martin, Ken worked in the Chester County School System for forty-two years, first as a teacher and then as assistant Principal and Principal, and District Supervisor in the Board Office.

Ken was a family man and enjoyed spending time in activities with his family Ken and his wife Ellen enjoyed trips to Gatlinburg, hiking in the Great Smoky mountains, Ken was also a runner and mountain hiker. He was very musical, in high school he played drums in the band, and he and several other young men formed a rock and roll band playing at different venues. He also was a singer and was asked to sing at weddings, Ken was active in serving at the Henderson Church of Christ. For many years he was on the security team Ken was also interested in photography and took many pictures on the hiking trails, even getting some pictures of bears, who were sharing the trails. Ken’s greatest pride and joy were his children, Jennifer and Brad, stepchildren, Scotty and Lisa and grandsons, Mason. Samuel, Austin and Landon.

Mr. West is survived by his wife, Ellen Frances Harveth West; a son, Bradley Kenneth West of Memphis and a daughter, Jennifer Leigh West Burress of Trenton, TN ; a stepson, Christopher Paul Scott and Lisa Ellen Scott both of Henderson and four grandchildren, Mason Burress, Samuel Burress, Austin Hardy and Landon Hardy; a brother, Dwight Hal West (Teri) of Decaturville, TN.

He was preceded in death by parents and a sister, Judy Ann Katherine West.

Memorial Services will 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the Henderson Church of Christ. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM service time.

Shackelford Funeral Directors of Henderson

731-989-2421