Kenneth Kettle

Kenneth E. Kettle left this life to be with his Father in Heaven on July 21, 2010. He fought a very courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on December, 27, 1933, in Electra, Texas to his parents Richard “Dick” and Frances Kettle. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 48 years and lifetime partner Sue Kettle; one son, James Kettle; one daughter, Cheryl Kettle-Goswick and husband Jim Goswick. He was also able to share in the joy of two very special grandchildren, Geoff and Kathryn Kettle all in Odessa, Texas.

He is also survived by two brothers, Daris Kettle and wife Carolyn Kettle of Rolla, Missouri and Marvin Kettle of Gardendale, Texas; 4 nieces and 1 nephew.

Kenneth moved from Electra, Texas to Kermit, Texas with his parents in 1944 and graduated from Kermit High School in 1952. He then attended Texas Tech University and graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. While in school he worked for Magnolia Oil Company. He was working for Balie Griffith Firestone when he met Sue. They were married on December 30, 1961 at the home of Morris Caffey.

Ken and Sue lived in Odessa after being married and then bought a house in Gardendale, Texas which they have built together into their lifetime home. Ken was always working on a project whether it was at home or at church. Prior to permanently living in Gardendale, Texas he and Sue moved to Alpine, Texas to attend Sul Ross State University where he obtained his Master of Science Degree. Ken then started his teaching career at Reagan County High School in Big Lake, Texas teaching chemistry and biology.

In 1977, Ken and Sue returned to Odessa where Ken accepted a teaching position at Crockett Junior High School in the science department. He continued to attend school during this time and received his Composite Science, Supervisor, Mid Management, and Professional Superintendent certifications.

Ken was a Dean at Crockett from 1982 to 1985. In 1985-1986 he became Assistant Principal at Bonham. He then returned to Crockett as Assistant Principle. He completed his education career working as Assistant Principal at Nimitz Junior High School. He continued to work after retirement at home. His special projects included serving in multiple positions at Bethany Christian Church including Property Chair, Board Chair, Deacon and Elder.

Ken loved life. He always had just “one more project” either at the home, church and most recently the Gardendale Water District Board. He was without a doubt a loving and committed husband, dad and granddad. He will be missed in this life by his family and friends, but will be safe in the arms of his Holy Father until we can be together again.

Special thanks to the nurses on 5 central at MCH , to all the staff at the Hospice House in Odessa, and all the family and friends that supported Ken and Sue during his illness.

Memorials may be made to Bethany Christian Church or to The Hospice House. Visitation will be held at Frank Wilson Funeral Home on July 25, 2010 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Online condolences can be made to www.frankwwilson. com. Funeral Services will be held at Bethany Christian Church, 4522 North Everglade, Odessa, Texas on July 26, 2010 at 1000. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Services are entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.