Ken Leroy Kenworthy, Jr

Ken L. Kenworthy, Jr., 69, of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away surrounded by his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and pillar of the Oklahoma Catholic community, Ken was known as a giant in both presence and character. He leaves behind a legacy defined by generosity, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to his faith and family.

Ken was preceded in death by his son Ken L. Kenworthy III (Tripp) and his father Ken L. Kenworthy.

He is survived by his mother Carole Ann Papin; his loving wife of 33 years, Karen M. Kenworthy; his daughter, Lauren Kathleen and husband Zachary Starkey; his daughter-in-law, Katharine, and her husband Caleb Hollingsworth; his daughter, Kylie Nicole and husband Michael Simonini; his son, Karsten John Paul Kenworthy; and his seven grandchildren: Kassidy, Olivia, Ken IV (Ford), Mason, Kooper, Blakesley, and Emmaline.

He is also survived by his siblings: sister, Karen and her husband Anthony Toffoli, brother, Kevin and his wife Holly Kenworthy, and brother, Kyle Kenworthy. He leaves behind his stepmother, Connie Kenworthy, along with his step siblings, Patrick and Angela.

Born on May 11, 1956 in Oklahoma City, Ken was raised with an appreciation for hard work, responsibility, and perseverance. He had a deep pride in his Osage heritage, a passion for Sooner football, a love of golf, and a desire to travel the world. He graduated from Bishop McGuinness in 1974 and attended the University of Oklahoma, where he studied Geology, laying the foundation for a lifelong career in the oil and gas industry.

Above all else, Ken’s life was centered on his family. He was a loving and devoted husband to Karen, whom he married in 1993, and a constant, steady presence in her life. He was the proud father of four children and a cherished grandfather, affectionately known as “Papa.” Ken lived with a deep sense of responsibility to protect and support those he loved. He never placed his career above his family, and there was never a day he was not present as a husband and father, ensuring his children felt cared for and deeply loved. Ken built a distinguished career as a geologist and entrepreneur, founding and leading successful oil and gas exploration companies. His greatest career achievement was taking GMX Resources public on the NASDAQ in 2001. Through his leadership, he created opportunities for hundreds of Oklahoman families and contributed meaningfully to the commerce of the Oklahoma City metro area. As a member of Legatus, his work was marked by integrity, discipline, and a commitment to leading his company in accordance with Catholic teaching.

Faith was the cornerstone of Ken’s life. A devout Catholic and longtime member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edmond, he dedicated his time, leadership, and resources to strengthening the Oklahoma Catholic community. His service ranged from faithfully supporting his parish to being a founding contributor to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School. He assisted in the growth of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City with his support of Bishop McGuinness, the development of the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine, a member of the Knights of Columbus and other acts of service. He uniquely served as a Steward of St. Peter through the Papal Foundation, helping the Pope provide support to those in need around the world. Ken held the rank of Grand Cross in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

In February of 2025, Ken and his wife Karen were honored by Pope Francis with the Pontifical Order of St. Gregory the Great in recognition of their exceptional service to the Catholic Church. Despite these honors, Ken remained deeply humble, never seeking recognition and instead ensuring that the institutions he supported reflected the names of saints he so greatly revered. Ken will be missed immensely by his family and the community he served so faithfully.

Visitation will be held at Baggerley Funeral Home, 930 S. Broadway, Edmond, Oklahoma on May 6, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The funeral will be at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 900 S. Littler Avenue, Edmond, Oklahoma, on May 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ken’s memory to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School, where his philanthropic journey began, reflecting the Catholic causes he so passionately supported throughout his life.

Ken’s life was ultimately defined not by what he built, but by who he loved and how he served. His faith guided him, his family grounded him, and his legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren, who carry forward his values.