Kenneth McGuire

Kenneth McGuire, affectionately known as “Kemp” and “Kenny”, was born February 23, 1954 in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Bennie Charles McGuire, Sr. and Margaret McGuire. Kenneth graduated from East Technical High School in 1972. He went on to attend the University of Dayton and Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (“CVCA”). While attending CVCA, he enrolled in Moody Bible Institute and earned a certificate to teach bible study classes.

Kenneth worked as a meter technician with The Illuminating Company for 37.9 years. He was a dedicated worker but made time to joke with his colleagues and find a nearby location to eat or “play hooky”. Kenneth also worked as a Certified YMCA Lifeguard for 27 years. While employed as a lifeguard, he instructed swim lessons, led aerobics classes and conducted bible study sessions. Kenneth joined St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church (“St. Paul”) and was baptized in June of 1996. As a member of St. Paul, he joined the Usher Board and was ordained as a Deacon. Under the leadership and guidance of the late Rev. Harold W. Luter, Kenneth was licensed to preach the Gospel, ordained as a minister and licensed to solemnize marriages. Kenneth joined Affinity Missionary Baptist Church (“Affinity”) in May of 2012. As a member of Affinity, he participated in and led Systematic Bible Study classes, theology classes and men’s small group sessions. He also volunteered at the food pantry and joined the Greeters Ministry. Kenneth was devoted to the Lord and dedicated to studying and teaching the Word. He was Interim Pastor of New 2nd Metropolitan Baptist Church – a church that was emotionally significant to him and his family.

Kenneth was dedicated to his family and enjoyed spending quality time with them. He enjoyed taking family road trips, attending holiday gatherings and engaging in heartfelt conversations. He was a father of five children: Kenya and Mark (JaJuan), from his loving partnership with Debra Johnson; Vatima, from his marriage with Vicki Penn; Desmond and Christa, from his marriage and blending of families with Darlene White. Kenneth loved swimming and spending time with his friends and aerobics class members. He also enjoyed traveling to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and to the Carolinas (Charlotte, Greensboro and Myrtle Beach). Kenneth enjoyed listening to music and watching reruns of The Three Stooges, The Lone Ranger, The Twilight Zone and Mysteries of the Unknown. Kenneth had a way of making everyone feel like an “old friend” and his hobbies revealed his encouraging, empathetic, humorous and lively personality.

Kenneth passed away on December 11, 2025 due to illness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Bennie Charles McGuire, Jr. and Moses Williams, and sister, Elaine McGuire. Remaining to cherish Kenneth’s memory are his wife, Darlene McGuire; his children, Kenya Johnson, Mark McGuire (Cleo), Vatima Penn, Desmond White and Christa White; his grandchildren, Jalanna Johnson, Rayven Lake-Howard, Ke’Nya Andrews, Azziah Penn, Leina Thompson, Martino Andrews, Shalise Penn, Marlie McGuire, Nala White and Jewel DeFate; brother, Walter Williams, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, chosen family and special friends.

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