Kenneth Doyle Minter

Kenneth Doyle Minter, 79, of Lake Kiowa, Texas passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025 in Gainesville, Texas. He was born on October 9, 1945 in Pampa, Texas to Walter and Vera (Scott) Minter.

Born in a small, Texas Panhandle town, Ken spent his youth playing football, learning several horn instruments for the school band, serving in the church and helping his parents with their crops. After graduating Lefors High School in 1964, Ken moved to Denver Colorado where he became a Master Mechanic in trade school.

In 1966 he was given a low draft number. Fueled with a desire to control his destiny, Ken ended up enlisting in the Navy that June. While in Navy boot camp, he was recruited into the Seabees; where he completed marine boot camp as well. Uncle Sam needed 100 skilled men to build a marine base and water wells, just five miles from the DMZ.

While serving in the military, Ken received the National Defense Service medal, the Vietnam Service medal, the Vietnam Campaign medal and a Bronze Star.

After Ken was honorably discharged, he attended Weatherford Jr College & North Texas State University, earning a BBA in marketing in 1972.

Ken began his almost 50-year career in the commercial insurance industry as an underwriter with Commercial Union Assurance. Ultimately, earning his Certified Insurance Counselor designation. He worked in all aspects and in numerous positions in the industry; as an underwriter, a wholesaler & in sales. Ken retired as a Vice President from MHBT a Marsh & McLennan agency in 2020.

Ken’s first insurance job found him working in Houston, Texas where he attended South Main Baptist Church. It was there he met his future wife, Julia Ann Cates. They married on August 17th, 1974. In their 50 plus years of marriage they were blessed with two children; daughter, Shana Lee Bohnsack and son, Clinton Marshall Minter; son-in-law, Brent Michael Bohnsack; grandchildren, Ashlynn Cate and Luke Michael.

Ken’s various insurance jobs required the family to move frequently. With each new church home, Ken became actively involved. He taught Sunday School to youth, single adults & married couples. He loved singing in the choir at First Baptist in Gainesville, Texas. His love for the Lord was always evident in his kind humble spirit and his openness in sharing his faith. Ken was a prayer warrior.

Ken was blessed with a great sense of humor. He was king of the one-liners. He enjoyed tinkering in his garage, fishing with his family & all types of sports. Ken always made time for his family, despite the long hours worked. Many happy memories were made on the lake at Kiowa. Ken volunteered with the Gainesville Rotary, Lake Kiowa Kiwanis and several Lake Kiowa POA committees.

Ken is survived by his wife Julie, daughter Shana, son-in-law Brent, son Clint and grandchildren Ashlynn & Luke. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter “Shorty” and Vera Minter.

Ken’s Celebration of Life will be at the First Baptist Church of Gainesville on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 2PM. Pastor Jeff Langley is officiating. The family will receive friends, following the 2PM celebration. Inurnment to be announced at a later date.

Memorials in honor of Kenneth D. Minter may be made to: American Brain Foundation: https://giving.americanbrainfoundation.org/page/Donate?c_src=25AFWTG or Lake Kiowa Kiwanis: 306 Kiowa Drive East, Lake Kiowa, 76240