Thomas M. “Ken” Kenesson, Sr., 93, of Beaumont died Tuesday, May 25, 2004 at Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital.
Ken was born November 28, 1910 to Bert and Amelie Martin Kenesson in Terrell, Texas. After his mother’s untimely death his father married Lora G. “Sally” Lee, who was his devoted stepmother. Billie and Ken were married in Nacogdoches, Texas on September 1, 1934, and he was employed by Burgess Electric Company and also served as DJ for a local radio station before and after the war. Ken moved to Beaumont in 1948 and was an engineer for Straughn Electronics where he later retired. Ken and Billie lived in Dallas several years before returning to Beaumont. He was a member of South Park Baptist Church for over 50 years and served as Jr. Boys Sunday School Teacher and Deacon.
Funeral services were Friday, May 28, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont with Reverend James Blackwell, officiating. Graveside services were Friday afternoon at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery in Woodville, Reverend Rudy Owen and Reverend Ray Lovett, officiating.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, James Hebert Kenesson.
He is survived by his wife, Helen B. “Billie” Kenesson of Beaumont; daughters, Lory Kaye and her husband, Don of Coldspring, Kathy Owen and her husband, Rudy of Runaway Bay and Merrye Gratzer and her husband, Bobby of Katy; son, Thomas Kenesson, Jr. and his wife, Susie of Corpus Christi; grandchildren, Lyle Kaye and his wife, Kim; Lisa Rome and her husband, Gary; Michele Gilmore and her husband, Steve; Terry Owen and his wife, Ann; Dawne McKinley; Scott McKinley and his wife, Traci; Shannon Fergason and her husband, Kelly; Heather Burgess and her husband, Daniel; Amber Walters and her husband, David; Beau Gratzer; Rorie Ramirez; and Sean Kenesson; and great-grandchildren, Gareth Kaye, Peter Rome, (twins) Gavin and Delaney Gilmore, Dara Owen, Joshua Gamo, Gene, Josh and Cassie Owen, Sean and Shea Adams, Amy and Francesca Fergason, (twins) Dayton and Grady Walters, Ciara Barrera, Carlos Rosas and Jacob Ramirez. He is also survived by his wife’s family (Bakers) and three cousins.
Serving as pallbearers will be Lyle Kaye, Beau Gratzer, Sean Kenesson, Don Kaye, Bobby Gratzer, Raymond Lovett, Scott McKinley and Terry Owen. Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacons of South Park Baptist Church and Dub Straughn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to South Park Baptist Church, 795 Woodrow, Beaumont, Texas 77705.
Ken’s family would like to express their appreciation to The Clairmont and Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital for their care during his illness.
