Kenneth Gavin Watler Sr.

Kenneth was born at home in Port Arthur, Texas on December 15th, 1937 to Gavin Martin Watler and Erma Mae McLaughlin, of Grand Cayman B.W.I. He grew up in Port Arthur with his sister Frances Louise Watler and attended Thomas Jefferson High School where he was Homecoming King for the class of 1956. While at Thomas Jefferson, he excelled on the track and gridiron earning All-State honors as a tight end. He went on to attend Rice University to play football under the legendary coach Jess Neely. Unfortunately, various injuries ended his football career, whereupon he transferred to Lamar University in Beaumont. At Lamar, he met the love of his life and future wife of 56 years, Gayle Smith Watler. After graduating from Lamar with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Kenneth and Gayle were married on August 31, 1963 and lived in New Orleans, Louisiana while Kenneth began his engineering career working for Hess Oil and Chemical. They relocated to Houston in 1967 where he began working for Hutchinson Hayes. His career flourished at Hutchinson Hayes.

In 1976, he accepted the role of President/CEO of Weatherby Engineering. Kenneth expanded Weatherby’s business to become a global engineering firm and it was this role that led him on travels around the world developing business for Weatherby. Until his final few days, Kenneth would talk about these journeys and the fascinating sights and people he was able to encounter. Kenneth finished his career with Mustang / Wood Group Engineering where he enjoyed mentoring many of the younger engineers up to his 78th birthday.

As an engineer, Kenneth would use these skills in all areas of his life. He was exceptional in fixing or repairing virtually anything around the house including the “infamous" 1969 Bronco that his two sons shared throughout high school and college. Kenneth was passionate about teaching his sons the personal benefits of spending time outdoors with friends as well learning to appreciate a "good day’s work.” His sons would always have various tasks assigned to them around the house from building fences to laying concrete slabs; no task was too great and he was always keen to make sure his two sons understood this.

Kenneth, aka “Pops” to his Grandchildren, was not one to dwell on things and his favorite piece of advice was to put it behind you and “move on down the road.” Kenneth was an active member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church for over 40 years. Despite Kenneth’s renowned Stetson cowboy hat and Lucchese boots promoting a larger-than-life presence, he will be remembered by those that knew him for his dedication and commitment to his family, his quick wit and friendly smile, and his genuine humility that endeared him to all.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Gayle Smith Watler. He is survived by son Kenneth Gavin Watler, Jr., spouse Lori Calderoni Watler and children Gavin, Kristin and William of Houston, TX and son Kevin George Watler, spouse Katherine Carlson Watler and children Margaret, George and Lauren of Fort Worth, TX.

Memorial services will be held for Kenneth at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 4, at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in Bagby Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Martins Episcopal Church Altar Guild.

KINDLY NOTE: Those unable to attend may view Kenneth’s service by visiting https://www.stmartinsepiscopal.org/pastoral-care-services/funerals

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Watler family.