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Kenneth Gray McChristian was born on August 10, 1955, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Anita White and Edsel McChristian. His family ties were strengthened by a close relationship with his stepfather, James White and his maternal grandparents, Augusta Gray and Willie Gray.

Kenny was a very active child and his mother always made sure he participated in structured youth sports, including Little League Baseball–which he really loved. He was in both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, where he first developed an interest in and appreciation for nature and the great outdoors.

Kenny received his formal education through the Indianapolis Public School system, including Shortridge High School, and as a young adult, he decided  to serve his country and join the armed forces. He enlisted in the United States Army in May, 1974, for a period of 6 years.

Kenny’s tour-of-duty took him to several countries around the world.  However, he spent the most time in Germany, where he was stationed for nearly 2 years. As a soldier, Kenny performed the duties of an Equipment Maintenance Clerk.  A responsibility that included receiving materials and supply inventory.  There was also routine lifting and carrying, and despite Kenny’s small stature, he thought he was pretty strong.

Kenny loved traveling and used his time in the Army to do some overseas sightseeing. He was able to visit London, England on occasion, and always counted this city as one of his most favorite.

Toward the end of his last tour-of-duty, while his fellow soldiers were deciding to re-enlist, Kenny made the decision to take his life in a different direction. After having fulfilled his obligation in service to the United States of America, Kenny received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army, with the distinction of Private First Class, Regular.

Upon moving back to the States, Kenny relocated to Ft. Worth, Texas, where he would reside for several years.  As a temporary Texan, Kenny developed his culinary skills and began cooking at various well-known restaurants in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.

Cooking became Kenny’s passion, and he would spend the rest of his professional career working in the culinary and hospitality industries.

After several years Kenny moved back to Indianapolis and took an assistant chef position at Marian University, where he remained as an employee for 3 years.

Returning to Indianapolis gave Kenny the chance to spend time with family and friends.  He was close with his cousins and always enjoyed sitting on the porch “just hanging out.“  On some Friday afternoons, Kenny could be found at Golden Corral restaurant, with his father’s family, enjoying almost every item on the all-you-can-eat buffet, especially the corn and mashed potatoes.

Kenny also spent a great deal of time with his mother and even found a neighborhood church to attend.  He joined the west 16^th street location of Church of the Living God, under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Claude Strayhorn. Kenny lived a life that was full of ups and downs, but he really began to study God’s word, developing his relationship with the Lord. He became an active member of the church, participating in the Sunday school classes, weekly Bible studies, men’s groups and clothes give-aways.

We all know Kenny loved his clothes, especially his shoe collection and beautiful variety of wristwatches. He took pride in his personal appearance, so even though he loved his clothes, he really loved being able to share his “style” with the less fortunate, and stay involved with his church, at the same time.

In the last couple years of Kenny’s life, he really enjoyed doing things he loved. Taking the time to read the newspaper cover to cover, making sure his car was squeaky clean, listening to 70s & 80s music, watching tv game shows and spending time with his niece, Riley, which made him really laugh.

Kenny peacefully transitioned from this earthly life on Monday, September 23, 2013. He was preceded in death by his stepfather, James White and his maternal grandparents, Augusta Gray and Willie Gray. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Anita White, father, Mr. Edsel (Elizabeth) McChristian, sister, Rana McChristian, niece, Riley Giles, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

As a son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, Kenneth Gray McChristian is loved forever, and his presence will be missed!