Kenneth “Kenny” M. Mattox, 83, passed away on July 23, 2025 at Arkansas Heart Hospital. Kenny was born on January 27, 1942 in Texarkana, TX to Henry and Estion Mattox.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Mark Mattox.
Kenny was a 1960 graduate of El Dorado High School and went on to study Chemistry at Southern State University (SAU Magnolia).
Kenny retired from Great Lakes Chemical in 2005 after 40 years of service as a supervisor and chemist. One of his favorite hobbies was competitive team bowling where he earned the nickname “killer”. He was an avid outdoorsman where he loved fishing, duck hunting, and deer hunting. Kenny also enjoyed a great round of golf with the guys but would tell you it was for the social fun not for skill. He volunteered at the El Dorado Boy’s Club and the Boy Scouts at Camp De Soto.
Fishing was a passion! During his retirement he spent many days “casting a line” to reel in crappie with his childhood best friend, Benny Wayne or angling bass with his “fishing buddy” Ron. Gardening was in the mix as he crafted his skills trying to grow the “perfect” tomato.
Kenny smiled easily and offered encouragement readily. His deepest joy came from spending time with his family. If you were to ask Kenny what his greatest accomplishment was in his life, he would tell you without hesitation, his family, especially his grandsons Evan, Easton, and Jake.
Those left to cherish his memory include: his wife of sixty years who he loved dearly, Lydia Mattox; daughter, Maurie Wheatley (Eric) of Ocala, FL; a sister, Gail Albritton of El Dorado, AR; three grandsons, Evan Wheatley (Margaret) of Camden, AR; Easton Wheatley of Camden, AR, Jake Mattox of El Dorado, AR; two great grandchildren, Iris and Wyatt Wheatley; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 10:30am at Smyrna Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope Landing, Inc., 214 Hope Landing El Dorado, AR 71730, https://www.hopelanding.com.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.
