NEWS EDITOR – ASHTON JEFFERS
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON OCT 4, 2023
On Sept. 15, 2023, Kenneth “Kenny” Adam Cruz, Jr., age 23, passed away and joined his Heavenly Father. Born on Sept. 13, 2000 in San Antonio, TX, Kenny, affectionately known as K.C. by his family and friends, is survived by his parents, Kenneth Sr., and Linda Cruz; brother Kolby Cruz; grandparents, Delfina and Antonio Abundis; grandmother, Pearl Cruz; his beloved cat Gumball; and dog/ nephew Jake, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Antonio Cruz, and uncle, Carlos Abundis. Kenny was considered to be a gentle soul and a warrior with a heart of gold, firm in his faith in God.
He attended and graduated from Central Catholic High School as part of the Class of 2019, where he made many memories and friends. After high school, Kenny studied at St. Mary’s University, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry on his 23rd birthday. The Cruz family shared, “The Cruz family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all his professors for never giving up on him, and for the unconditional support they have given our family. Thank you to Dean Bessler, Dr. Winston Everles, and Brother Tim for their unwavering support of Kenny and the Cruz family. We are forever grateful.”
A great son, brother and friend, Kenny was an ardent student at St. Mary’s, who planned to continue his education in medical school to become a pediatric oncologist. Along with Kenny’s plans and interest in the medical field, he constantly supported his friends and peers through his love of music. Kenny enjoyed playing guitar, bass and ukulele, sharing his talent through social media and encouraging positive messages to those he knew. “Kenny was such a warm-hearted person,” stated Brianna Valadez, junior engineering science major. “I am so honored that I had the chance to serve the Lord alongside his beautiful soul [at] Rattler Awakening. Over a short period of time, Kenny became such an important person in my spiritual life, which I will forever be grateful for. I will miss you dearly Kenny.”
Kenny loved attending St. Mary’s University for many reasons. He loved attending Rattler Awakening, participating in Catholic School Association, and helping his classmates in any way he could. Kenny enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and fishing trips to Rockport. “Kenny seemed so loving and kind towards everyone around him,” stated Ava Berry, a sophomore biology major. “For just knowing him for a little amount of time, you could really see his love for God and those around him when serving on the Rattler Awakening retreat.” Kenny was an amazing and tenderhearted student, son, brother, grandson and warrior for the Heavenly Father. He will be dearly missed by everyone whose lives he touched.