Memorial trees planted for:

Kenneth Martin Gradnigo Jr.

Obituary of Kenneth Martin Gradnigo Jr. Kenneth Martin Gradnigo Jr. was born February 12, 1971, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He received Christ at an early age and was baptized at New Light Baptist Church. He was fondly known to family as “Kenny Lee.”  With grateful hearts, we celebrate the remarkable life of Kenny, who gained his wings to be with the Lord on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 1:00pm in Houston, Texas. Kenny was strong, loving, dedicated, and funny. His journey in life led to holy matrimony in August 1998 to Yavette Reneen Frost, with whom he shared 17 years of marriage, until the passing of Yavette in 2015. Together in marriage they welcomed their son, Nickolaus.  Kenny attended public schools in Lake Charles and participated in many athletic activities including Mid City Baseball where he held the position of centerfield. During his high school years, he was a member of the LaGrange Gators basketball team.   A graduate of LaGrange High School, Class of 1989, Kenny’s next move was on to college. He attended USL in Lafayette, Louisiana and completed his collegiate studies at McNeese State University earning a BS Degree in Mass Communications in 1998. Kenny was also a servant of community and country and enlisted in the Louisiana National Guard in 1990 and served four years.  During that time, he trained in Killeen, Texas in preparation for Operation Desert Storm. His mother’s unwavering prayers were answered as Kenny was fortunately not deployed to the combat zone in Iraqi territory.    Kenny’s work experience began at KPLC TV as a studio technician. Upon moving to Houston, he furthered his broadcast career at KHOU TV, and at the local CW affiliate station. His passion for video production led him to pursue photography.  He was often seen with a camera in hand capturing memories of family and friends. His most recent employment was with Industrial INFO Resources in Houston, Texas for the past 10 years. Kenny was passionate about football… especially his beloved San Francisco 49ers. Sundays were spent watching the game and shouting at the screen with joy or frustration (depending on the score). Whenever he had the chance, he’d board a plane to watch his favorite team on the field. On game day, “GO NINERS”  was a constant phrase you’d hear him shout until the game was finally over.  As the saying goes, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”  His son Nickolaus developed a love for sports at an early age.  Unbeknownst to many, Kenny would intentionally let Nickolaus skip school during draft season so the two of them could gather around the TV to watch the best of the best get drafted into the NFL.  Those days of allowing Nick to skip school later paid off in life as Kenny, along with his mom, would enjoy the six-hour drive from Houston to Jackson, Mississippi to watch Nickolaus play football on the Milsaps Majors team. Kenny loved life! He enjoyed raising his son in Houston but always looked forward to weekend trips to Lake Charles. It wasn’t unusual for him to put an order in for his favorite foods.  He was always treated to his cousin Diane’s rice and gravy and gladly took home zip locked bags of food that had been piling up in the freezer for him. Kenny was preceded in death by his first wife, Yavette Frost Gradnigo, his father, Kenneth Martin Gradnigo, Sr., Father in-law Felton Frost, Paternal grandparents, Wallace Gradnigo and Beulah LeDay Gradnigo, Paternal Great grandparents, Lee LeDay and Victoria Guillory LeDay,  Maternal grandparents, James E. Adams Sr. and Alberta “Peggy” Adams, and Maternal great grandparents, Alexander Batiste and Julia Lubin Batiste. He leaves to cherish his memories, his son, Nickolaus Gradnigo, his mother, Eartha Adams Guidry, his bonus brother, Ross Pickney, his uncles, Ivan Adams, Bert Adams, Thaddeaus Adams, Shamsuddin Adams, Ronnie Gradnigo, Patrick Gradnigo, Ken Simonet, and William Pearman. His aunts, Bertha Bellard Gradnigo, Mary “Tiny” Gradnigo-Moore, Jan Simonet,  Audry Adams Day, and Sally Knox.  His Mother-in-law, Vernece Frost, Sister-in-laws Vondra Frost, Shanelle Frost Gibbs (Kelvin), and Tameka Miller. His Brother-in-laws, Jabari Jordan and Gregory Knox Jr.  Five God children, Devonte Lewis, Jade Mayo, Madisyn Faux, Kortlan Brown, and Carla Vital. And a special friend and companion, Rhonda Shelton, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Kenny will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire all who knew him.  May he rest in Peace!

February 12, 1971 - April 21, 2025

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Memorial Trees

Brenda Adams-Byrd and Darryl Byrd

April 28, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Kenneth Martin Gradnigo Jr. has been arranged by Brenda Adams-Byrd and Darryl Byrd. Plant a tree

God and all of the Angels rejoice when another soldier approaches the Throne. Well done faithful servant, well done.
Good bye for now, until we meet again in Heaven sweet child of God.

Anonymous

April 28, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Kenneth Martin Gradnigo Jr. has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

Kenny will remain in our hearts forever. Continued prayers for Nick and family. We love you all dearly.
Kevin, Pam, Kelsey, Clay and Coby Roberts

Marcus Rideaux

April 27, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Kenneth Martin Gradnigo Jr. has been arranged by Marcus Rideaux. Plant a tree

To Ms Ertha with lots of love.
My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy.
I miss seeing you at the gym since Ive moved away.
But I will be calling and checking on you dear.
Much love. Marcus

Anonymous

April 27, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Kenneth Martin Gradnigo Jr. has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

Gail McZeal Evans

April 26, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Kenneth Martin Gradnigo Jr. has been arranged by Gail McZeal Evans. Plant a tree

Eartha, My heart is broken just as yours is. Praying fervently that God will heal your heart and give you peace and strength during this time and the weeks, months, and years to come.
Love you,

AB

April 24, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Kenneth Martin Gradnigo Jr. has been arranged by AB. Plant a tree

"Kenny Red",
Big bro, appreciate all the laughs. Definitely left your mark while you were here. I know you're up there taking your place with the angels, rocking your 9ers gear.
Rest well my G.

Anonymous

April 24, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Kenneth Martin Gradnigo Jr. has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

The staff at Stevens\' Funeral Home

April 22, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Kenneth Martin Gradnigo Jr. has been arranged by The staff at Stevens\' Funeral Home. Plant a tree

We plant this tree as a living memorial to Kenneth. We are deeply sorry for your loss.