K. T. “Ike” Akbari, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2015 at his residence, after a prolonged illness. He was born on April 27, 1951, in Iran, to Mones Nasiri and Ali Akbari, and had been a longtime resident of the area.

After earning his Masters degree in Industrial Engineering in 1977 from Lamar University, he began his career working for Park Central Management, owned by former Port Arthur Mayor Lloyd Hayes. Ike specialized in land use and development, creating affordable housing for thousands and helping make better communities in Southeast Texas and beyond.

Ike founded the ITEX Group in 2002 and immediately began expanding development of affordable housing, including creating ICON Builders to handle complete construction of these facilities. His companies currently employ some 160 people, primarily across the Golden Triangle and in Houston, and include 39 properties with over 4,200 units.

As a successful entrepreneur, he was a staunch believer in giving back to the communities he served, becoming an active member in the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Port Arthur. Ike also served his industry as past president of the Board of the Affordable Housing Management Association, past president of Southeast Texas Apartment Association and served on the Board of the Builders’ Association of Southeast Texas.

Ike was a very generous man, continually giving more of his time and resources, than could be imagined. And as much as he gave to others, he gave even more to his family, being a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

K. T. “Ike” Akbari is survived by his wife, Cheryl Akbari; son, Chris Akbari and his wife Amanda Akbari; and daughter, Crystal Maryam Akbari Gonzales and her husband Marc Gonzalez; grandchildren, Luca Akbari, Nico Akbari, and Future Baby Gonzalez; brothers, Hosain, Nouri, Norman, Rashed, and Haji; and sister, Fahrsheda.

A gathering of Mr. Akbari’s family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m., with his funeral service to follow at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, May 16, 2015, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. His entombment will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Program, 2390 Dowlen Road, Beaumont, Texas 77706, giftoflifebmt.org or Golden Triangle Supports Live Strong, livestrong.org.