Kenneth Baynard

Kenneth Baynard, son of Lewis and Ella Baynard, was born June 22, 1939. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children on July 24, 2013. Kenneth received his high school diploma at William C. Jason School in 1957 – one of Delaware’s first high schools for black students. He was one of the Milford Eleven that integrated Milford High School in 1954. When asked what impact he felt being one of the Milford Eleven had on his life, he simply stated “Don’t let anybody tell you what you cannot achieve. If you listen to that and believe it, you will never achieve anything”. Kenneth lived his life by this wisdom. He retired from the State of Delaware in 1991 after 30 years of service as the Director of Maintenance and Operations in Administrative Services. He spent several years as an active member of Temple Lodge #8 in Milford. Kenneth was a beloved husband and father, and well-respected as a successful musician. His passion for music inspired his family, friends, church members and the community. Kenneth had a great love for music and was in several bands during his lifetime – The Soft Peddlers, Kings of House Rockers, Kings of Soul, Ambassadors, Creative Vibe, Comfort Zone, and Crossroads Gospel Band. He frequently played at the Milford Senior Center. Kenneth was introduced to music by his four brothers, two of which played the saxophone, one the drums and one the trumpet. He was taught to play the saxophone at an early age by his brother Charles, and was exposed to such musicians as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, James Moody and Dexter Gordon. Kenneth started playing with local bands at the age of seventeen, and played up and down the East Coast for fifty years. Kenneth believed that music was the expression of one’s soul. Most recently, Kenneth was a faithful participant in the Praise and Worship Team of Milford Church of God, he where thoroughly enjoyed playing the saxophone every Sunday. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 51 years Marilyn Cohen Baynard and children; Rosalind and her spouse Emanuel Hill, Kenneth, Shelly, Darryl Baynard and his spouse Crystal, Roy Cohen and his spouse Stephanie, Denise and Bryan. He is survived by seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is survived by one sister, Helen Faulkner. Kenneth was blessed with a large family which includes in-laws Kendall and Louise Magee, Edward and Aletha Hutchins, Stanley and Naomi Friend and an abundance of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

Kenneth Baynard

June 22, 1939 - July 24, 2013