Long time retired Denton business man Billy (Keno) Kenas passed from this life Wednesday, June 12, 2013, surrounded by his family.

He was born February 7, 1935, to Walter and Mable Anthony Kenas. He married his Jr. High sweetheart, Joyce Sockwell on February 20, 1954, and to that union was born daughters, Jacquilin Marie, Kathey L'Jon, and son William Royce.

Before Billy was called home to be with his Lord, his greatest love was that of his family and friends. Not only did he claim his own children but also those of many of his friends.

Billy opened his first convenience store known as Keno's in May of 1963. He remained in that business for forty years. In the span of those four decades, he made many friends and had a positive influence on many young employees. One of whom is Tommy Nelson, who pastors Denton Bible Church. It was so rewarding for some of those who were our young trainees to bring their young children by and let us meet them.

Billy also refereed football for twenty-six years. The people he met during that time made lifelong friends and created many happy memories.

He was very proud of the fact that he served his country when his National Guard unit was called up in the year of 1961.

The accomplishment that he most cherished was establishing the "Kathey L'Jon Kenas Slimp Food Bank" located at the First Baptist Church, 101 E. Meadows Street, St. Jo, Texas 76265. He felt that this was a way for his loving daughter to continue to help those people who were in need even after her passing. The hard work and endless hours that the people on this committee have dedicated to this food bank have done a wonderful job and we love them for this.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mable Kenas, his brothers Walter Ray and Leroy Kenas, daughter Kathey L'Jon Slimp, his mother-in-law and father-in-law Howard and Marion Caddel Sockwell.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-nine years, daughter, Jacquilin Marie and husband Howard Garrison, son, William Royce Kenas, grandchildren, Crystal Hammons, Heather Garrison, Tiffany Tomblin, Brandon Rogers, Billy Slimp, Will Kenas, and Alex Kenas. Great grandchildren are Billy Powell, Clayton Pinson, Rebekah, Reianna, and Cameron Hammons, Vincent Tomblin and William Jesse Kenas.

Visitation will be held from 10-12 on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at the Denton Bible Church with the service starting at 1:00 pm. Burial will be at Perryman Cemetery in Forestburg, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the "Kathey L'Jon Kenas Slimp Food Bank" located at the First Baptist Church, 101 E. Meadows Street, St. Jo, Texas 76265.