By Karen Hall

Editor

It's impossible to count how many lives in Marshall County, and all over the state, Jack Keny touched in his 50 years as an educator.

Keny passed away Saturday morning, after a summer-long struggle with ill health. During this time, he was mentioned at meetings throughout the county, and commissioners, city councilmen, and school board members prayed for his recovery.

Keny dedicated his life to education, progressing rapidly from teacher and coach to principal. Keny started work in Marshall County in 1966, when he was 35 years old, as principal of Marshall County High School. Current Director of Schools Jackie Abernathy was a student at MCHS then, and

former Director of Schools Roy Dukes served under him at MCHS as assistant principal.

"It was two or three years after integration," Dukes remembered. "There were racial situations, but we worked together and had a smooth-going school."

Dukes said Keny was concerned with every student and every parent, and was willing to help anybody.

"He was a very good educator," Dukes said. "Very good."

Keny was loved and remembered by his students, too. One of the comments on the funeral home's website is from Marian Mallory Glenn, who wrote, "I will remember him always. My husband Shawn said no one at his high school liked their principal, and I said "WOW, everyone loved our Mr. Keny."

Keny was superintendant of Marshall County Schools from 1976 to 1988 when this was an elected position, and Abernathy was the first teacher he hired after he became superintendant.

"We go way, way back," said Abernathy. "We have lost a real supporter of Marshall County schools."

Nancy Aldridge, who is now retired from the school system after filling many posts, including director, remembers Keny as a fine man, a good principal, and an outstanding superintendant.

"His memory was remarkable," Aldridge said. "He just a good honest man. I thought the world of him -- it's sad to see him go."

After working in Marshall County, Keny went on to work for the state Department of Education until he retired in 1996. While with the state department, he trained principals and administrators all over the state.

"He was excellent," Dukes said of this last phase of Keny's working life.

Even after retirement, Keny continued to influence education in Marshall County by serving two terms on the school board.

"He was on the school board when I was superintendant," said Tony Lancaster, who remembers Keny as good with finances and school budgets, as well as being genuinely concerned with education in Marshall County.

See Jack Keny's complete obituary on page A2.