Kenneth Michael Cartwright, Jr., 58, of Abilene died Thursday, December 9, 2021 in an Abilene hospice facility following a lengthy illness. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 10, 2021 at the Clyde Cemetery with Rabbi Ben Burton officiating under the direction of Bailey Howard Funeral Home of Clyde.

Kenny was born December 13, 1962 in Long Beach, California to Kenneth Michael and Elwina Gayle (Pringle) Cartwright. He graduated from Stroman High School in Victoria, Texas, class of 1981. He worked various jobs over the years; as a ranch cowboy sleeping under the stars in New Mexico and West Texas, as a vet tech for Pioneer Vet Clinic in Winters, Texas, for Bridgestone Bandag Tire for 18 years and for Rentech Boiler. He was also a farrier and helped many horses, whom he held a fondness for. The highlight of Kenny's life was a trip he made to Israel in February 2009. His greatest dream was to make Aliyah to Israel, which is where he called home. He is now Home Free.

Kenny is survived by his (step) son, Jeremy Prater (Theresa) and (step) daughter, Tiffany Hoover (Chris), whom he raised from young children on into their adulthood, and his grandchildren whom he dearly loved: Evelyn, Todd, Christian, Caprice, Destini, Harmoni, Jackson and Isabella; one aunt, several cousins, nephews and a niece. Kenny has many friends who will greatly miss him and his unique sense of humor and countless corny jokes. No matter what was happening, or how he felt, we could count on him to always make funny of anything. He got the best laugh out of the reactions of others.

Many of his friends are of his Jewish faith who reside in various parts all over the world and friends he made while on his jobs. Kenny is also survived by his long-term friend and brother, Doyle Coffman, his home healthcare worker, Shanon Mullins and all of his friends from Victoria SHS, who have been of great blessing to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Debi Cartwright Holloway.

Pallbearers are Jeremy Prater, Gary Melville, Patrick Dennis, Danny Valdez, Jeren Coffman and Gordon Hayes.

Baruch Dayan HaEmet and Shalom Shalom be with you dear friend and brother.