Kenneth A. Halstead

Kenneth Arnold Halstead, 53, of Edmond, passed away Monday, September 7, 2015 in Las Vegas, NV. He was born December 15, 1961, in Oklahoma City to Arnold & Virgie (Colbert) Halstead. They later moved to Ardmore, OK, where he graduated from Ardmore High School. He attended OSU as a proud Cowboys fan. Ken married Velinda "Jeanie" Halstead on August 19, 1988, recently celebrating 27 years of marriage. They resided in Yukon until 2011, later moving to Edmond. He was employed at Midfirst Bank as a Sr. Programmer Analyst for 21 years. Ken and his wife made an annual trip to Hot Springs, AR, as he loved the horse races and many trips to Las Vegas. He loved bowling, hunting and fishing, watching football, and having his sons' families and grandkids over. One of his passions was cooking BBQ, so he started a catering business on the weekends. He would get up at 4 am to smoke cases of ribs and briskets for family and friends. Over the years, Ken had many health issues due to his diabetes. In November 2001, he received a kidney transplant, which upgraded his quality of life. He became a member of Team Oklahoma, a group of organ transplant recipients competing in The Transplant Games of America in bowling. He won a gold and silver medal in the doubles competition. He also became a volunteer for Lifeshare, Oklahoma's organ procurement. Even though we are left with great sorrow and will miss him greatly, Ken will always be in our hearts. Ken was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by wife, Velinda "Jeanie" Halstead; three sons, Jimmy Letterman and wife Holly of El Paso, TX; Brian Ketchum and wife Melissa of Edmond; and Scott Ketchum and wife Amy of Norman; grandchildren: Hunter, Kyler, Callie, Colson, Aiden and Aren; and his brother, Gary Halstead. Friends may pay their respect at the funeral home Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with the family present from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, September 18 at Smith & Kernke N. May Chapel followed by burial at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to LifeShare, American Cancer Society or Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation – Diabetes Division.