Kenneth "Kenny" W. LaNata was born at Touro Hospital in New Orleans just a few minutes after his twin brother, Arthur "Art" L. LaNata, Jr., to parents, Arthur and Irma LaNata. Kenny served in the Navy at Belle Chasse Naval Air Station and was in the submarines. He was a civil maritime engineer and head of the engineering department at Avondale Shipyards.

Kenny loved sailing and spearfishing. He won numerous sailing races and regattas on his Catalina 22, Easterly 30, and Pearson sailboats, all named "Weather Witch."  He won First Place in the USF&G Sugar Bowl Regatta in 1992; and First Place in the Nokia Sugar Bowl Regatta in 2001; and First Place in the Nokia Sugar Bowl Regatta in 2004. He was awarded the 2011 TYC Club Champion award by Tammy Yacht Club. He is a past Vice Commodore of the New Orleans Yacht Club. He was also a past board member of Tammany Yacht Club. Kenny was a long-time member of the Sea Horses Diving Club, and past President of the Louisiana Council of Underwater Diving Club. He won several spearfish and diving awards over his lifetime. Kenny was also an accomplished actor and thespian, appearing in numerous plays at Kenner Little Theatre; and also, several movies filmed in Louisiana, including playing the part of a Judge in the movie The Butler, and the part of a Senator in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.

Kenny was preceded in death by his twin brother, Arthur "Art" LaNata, Jr., as well as his parents, Arthur L. LaNata, Sr. and Irma Burgau LaNata. He is survived by his Wife, Carole Hubert LaNata, and his two children, Michael W. LaNata and Kendra LaNata Condon. He is survived by his brother, Dr. Gregory LaNata (Sue); and by his youngest brother, Henry LaNata (Rhonda); and sisters, Darlene LaNata Carruth (Keith), and Donna LaNata Davis. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Carolyn LaNata.

A private memorial will be held after the holidays. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Louisiana Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org).

Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA.