Kenneth R. Schexnider, a lifelong resident of Lake Charles, died on Oct. 17, 2018, at St. Patrick Hospital. Kenneth was the seventh child of Alfred Schexnider and Ruth Mayfield Schexnider.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Alfred P. Schexnider; and two sisters, Lois C. Schexnider and Sandra R. Schexnider. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Brenda LeBlanc Schexnider; their daughter, Jennifer S. Burns (Anthony); their son, Justin K. Schexnider; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He also has a daughter, Felicia Frank and another son, Jerard Schexnider. He is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Louise S. Graves (James) of Jamaica, N.Y., and Mrs. Manella S. Parker (Ronald) of the Woodlands, Texas; and two brothers, Thaddeus L. (Loretta) and Alvin J. (Virginia); a sister-in-law, Mrs. Madaline Hail; two aunts, Mrs. Ethel Mayfield of Lake Charles, and Mrs. Julie Mayfield of Inglewood, Calif.; one uncle, L. Joseph Sanford of Lake Charles; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Kenneth attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and High School until it was closed. He transferred to Lake Charles High School from which he graduated in 1969. He attended McNeese State University for two years before discovering his passion for representing organized employees. While serving as Business Manager of the Laborers Union at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company he enrolled in and graduated from the George Meany Institute in Silver Spring, Md., where he studied industrial and labor relations.

Between 1978 and 1994 Kenneth held progressively responsible positions as an official negotiating contract agreements and labor disputes throughout the South for Laborers International Union. He often said that "during those years I found my greatest joy in representing people." The desire to serve propelled him to seek elective office. He was elected to the Lake Charles City Council and served on it from July 1988 to June 1993 including a term as its first African American President from 1998 to 1990.

Mr. Schexnider played a major role in fostering economic development in the city and region the most significant of which was recruitment of the gaming industry. That sector alone has spurred additional economic growth including restaurant, hospitality, hotel and tourism businesses. His many civic and professional duties include serving as the first African American President of the Lake Charles Metals Trades Councils and several years as President of the Sacred Heart National Alumni Association.

He was also a co-founder of the Bayou Comprehensive Health Center established in 1981 to provide affordable and quality medical care to citizens of north Lake Charles.

Kenneth and his wife Brenda launched several businesses in 1993 including USS Limousines, KRS, Inc. and Fantastic Baskets. At the time of his death he was manager of Lake Charles Beverage Sales.