Date Of Birth: August 11, 1919
Date Of Death: December 15, 2003

Bernard K. McKenzie, the longtime superintendent of Lawrence Twp. Schools, the namesake of the McKenzie Career Center, a U.S.Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient from World War II, and a devoted husband, father, and friend, passed away Monday after a brief illiness. McKenzie, a lifelong Hoosier, was a teacher, coach, administrator, and superintendent in Rushville, Muncie, Logansport, Washington Twp., Marion, and Lawrence Twp. for over 40 years until his retirement in 1983. He was 84 years old.McKenzie, the middle son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Fred McKenzie of Muncie, was proceded in death by sister Roberta (Tootie) /falls, and brother Glenn (Bud) McKenzie. His younger brother Robert is a Muncie resident. Among many accomplishments that earned Bernard induction into the Delaware County Sports Hall of Fame were his two made free throws with no time left in regulation that lifted tiny Muncie Burris into a tie with powerful Muncie Central in the 1937 sectional finals, which Burrris ultimately lost in overtime. McKenzie went on to play basketball at Ball State Teacher’s College under thelegendary Scott Fisher. McKenzie earned a B.S. from Ball State in 1941 and an M.A. in 1942. He later received a Doctorate of Education from Ball State as well.McKenzie left his teaching post in Logansport in 1943 to enlist in the United States Army. His unit, the 346th. regiment of the 87th Infantry Division, entered the European theater of war shortly after the Normandy invasion. This "Golden Acorn" division waged an epic battle against Germany in that country’s last stand of World War II, the "Battle of the Bulge." McKenzie and his squad were captured by the Germans in Belgium’s Ardennes forest a few days before Christmas in 1944. McKenzie wounds suffered in the capture earned him the Purple Heart. He was released shortly before Germany’s final surrender in May, 1945.Upon his return to the States, McKenzie was selected by his commanders to represent the Army’s European Prisoners of War in a meeting with President Harry S. Truman. McKenzie and four others met with the President in Washington, D.C. for nearly two hours, detailing their captive experiences and treatment at the hands of the enemies. Throught the remaninder of his life, McKenzie was heavily involved in associations of American POWs, local VFWs, and numerous groups that promote peace worldwide.McKenzie’s return to Indiana was the beginning of his statewide ascendance in educational administration. After serving as principal at Rushville High School, he moved on to Washington Twp., where he served as Assistant superintendent. In 1965 he became Superintendent of the Marion Public Schools, where he made one of his proudest hires. His hiring of a young, gifted teacher and coach named Oatess Archey made Archey the first African American coach in the history of the North Central Conference.McKenzie left Marion for the superintendency of the Lawrence Township Schools in 1971. Long known for his charm and ability to make peace amongst warring sides, McKenzie led the efforts to build Craig Middle School, Lawrence North High School, and the Career Center, which took on his name after his retirement.Bernard McKenzie was married to Grace Grider for 41 years until the time of his death. He leaves behind daughter Teresa Cotton of Noblesville and her husband Mike, son Brent McKenzie of Massachusetts and his wife Laura, grandson Adam Thomas of Strawtown, and granddaughter Hannah and grandson Ben of Massachusetts. In addition, he leaves behind a lifetime of dear friends who meant the world to him.A funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, December 18, at Harry Moore Family Mortuaries, Allisonville Road Chapel. A public celebration of Bernard’s life will be held Thursday evening at 6:30 at the Bernard K. McKenzie Career Center on Hague Road. In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to the Bernard K. McKenzie Career Center in the name of the Bernard K. McKenzie Scholarship Fund.