Kenneth Vaughn Hope was born September 26, 1954 in Flint, Michigan, to parents Kenneth J. and Maxine Mamie Hope and passed from this life on May 19, 2025. Ken was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Laura Watts and Paula White. He is survived by two sisters, Marcia Rush and husband Harris, and Linda Smith. He is survived by his wife, Julie Hope, children: Daniel Hope and wife Heather, Amy McCay and husband Bryan, Amber Hope, and Amanda Hope, grandchildren: Cameron Miller and wife Kadde, Haven Hope, Cade McCay, Pierce Hope, and Cason McCay, great grandson: Weston Miller, due August of 2025. Ken is also survived by nieces and nephews, as well as friends and extended family.

Ken grew up in Flint, Michigan with loving parents and four older sisters. He loved to tell stories of the camping trips to Caseville where the family would camp in a small Airstream trailer, playing in the waters of Lake Huron. The travel trailer was named High Hopes and had the most wonderful bunk beds that swung over two beds below. From an early age Ken excelled in athletics. He participated in the annual Punt, Pass and Kick competition which he would win each year. He enjoyed recalling how his dad would stand at the back of the spot where the leader of the competition had just landed the football. His dad would signal Ken to throw the football to him, which would secure Ken a first place finish. Ken had a gifted throwing arm from a very young age.

The family moved to Mesquite, Texas in 1968 where Ken would graduate from North Mesquite High School in 1972. He continued his education and baseball and basketball career at Eastfield College and Oklahoma Christian College where he graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and Bible in 1977. While at both schools, his baseball coaches had a profound impact on his athletic career. Ken was named to the Oklahoma Christian Athletic Hall of Fame as well as being named to the 1976 All American team for his incredible 0.86 ERA.

While attending the Broadway church of Christ in 1974, he was influenced by the preaching of Johnny Ramsey, his future father-in-law. Ken became a serious Bible student and committed himself to the Word of God. During this same year he met a young girl, Julie, who would become his wife on August 12, 1977. Ken worked for Fox and Jacobs as an inside framer while preaching on Sundays in Bonham, Texas from 1977-1980. After deciding to go into full time ministry, the family moved to Fruitvale, Texas to work with the church there from 1981-1983. Those years provided lifelong friendships as well as the growth and maturity needed to create a 42 year relationship with the Broadway/Centerville Road church of Christ in Garland, Texas.

Ken influenced numerous people through his coaching AAU basketball, leading church camp, counseling families, serving others, and reaching the lost with the power of the Gospel of Christ. His greatest legacy is what he leaves to his wife, children and grandchildren: the legacy of love for God and His church, love for family, integrity, and the worth of hard work.

Per his wishes there will be no formal visitation.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 11am.

Centerville Road church of Christ

1102 East Centerville Road

Garland, Texas  75041

Donations can be directed to the Centerville Road church of Christ