Kenneth Fielden

Kenneth Rochelle Fielden, the first son of Mildred Cox Fielden and Curtis Fielden was born in Gilmer, Tx on December 20, 1937, and lived a life full of love, laughter and adventure before passing away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on August 16, 2024.

With a heart full of joy, Ken cherished every moment spent with his family, who brought him immense happiness. In 1959, Ken married the love of his life, Sarah Harrison Fielden, and they began building a life together. He worked for URECC and later SWEPCO before opening the renowned Ken's Fried Chicken in Marshall, Texas, in 1972. For 17 years, Ken's four restaurants served up “The Best Legs in town” and his infamous mouthwatering homemade rolls, making it an institution beloved by the community. 

Ken was an outdoorsman through and through. He was an avid fisherman, golfer, and his passion for sports was evident in his enthusiasm for high school and college football. His favorites, of course, being the Gilmer Buckeyes and Texas A&M Aggies.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Sarah Fielden; his brother Jerry Fielden and wife Lujuanna Fielden; children, Mandy Fielden Woods and husband Billy Woods, Dinah Fielden McCracken, Tim Fielden and wife Angela Fielden; Lacy Fielden Rich; 4 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mildred Cox Fielden and Curtis Fielden, sister, Betty Jean Childress, son in law Wayne Rich and 3 grandchildren.

His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the memories his family will cherish forever.

A visitation to celebrate Ken's life will be held at Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer, Tx on Tuesday August 20, 2024 from 6pm-8pm. Ken's family and friends will gather to honor his memory and share stories of his life, love, and adventures.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to First Methodist Church of Gilmer, Primecare Hospice of Longview or Visiting Angels of Longview. 

Cremation arrangements under the direction of Croley Funeral Home.