Kenneth Lane Scott

Kenneth Lane Scott, PhD, passed away on November 9, 2017, in Sugar Land, Texas. He was 43 years old. He bravely fought sarcoma of his pelvis for two and a half years prior to his death. He never allowed cancer to take away his joy in life or his devotion to his friends and family.

Kenny was born on July 26, 1974, in Dallas, TX. He spent his early childhood in Mineral Wells, TX, prior to moving to Hewitt, TX, in middle school. He graduated from Midway High School in 1993, where he played varsity football, served as a peer assistant, and was a member of National Honor Society. It was during Algebra II class his Junior Year that he met the love of his life, Laurel. He graduated magna cum laude from Southwest Texas State University in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Kenny made lasting friendships throughout his years at Midway and SWT that continued to thrive into his adult years.

Kenny received his PhD in Molecular and Human Genetics from Baylor College of Medicine in 2005. He subsequently did his postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University, Dana Farber Cancer Institute where he began his career as a cancer researcher. In 2009 he and his family moved back to Houston where he joined the faculty at Baylor College of Medicine as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics. Kenny excelled as a scientist and conducted innovative research aimed at understanding the molecular underpinnings of cancer. He had many colleagues with whom he enjoyed working and collaborating. He was the recipient of numerous grants and awards from prestigious national organizations and foundations. His work was published in leading medical research journals. He was granted tenure and promoted to Associate Professor in 2017. In addition to research in the laboratory, one of the things that brought Kenny the most joy and sense of achievement was teaching and mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

Kenny also enjoyed the challenge of endurance racing and was a three time Ironman Triathlon Finisher. He actually finished his last Ironman just a few weeks prior to receiving his diagnosis of sarcoma in 2015. This fact illustrates the drive and dedication that he exhibited in all aspects of his life.

Kenny considered his most important trait to be his devotion to his family, including Laurel, his wife of 19 years, and his two children, Rachel, 12, and Nathan, 9. He repeatedly demonstrated generosity, kindness, faithfulness, and service to others. Kenny believed that his most important legacy was his Christian faith. Even during his prolonged illness, he continuously demonstrated to his children and many others around him that joy is possible in all circumstances and that God’s grace is always sufficient.

In addition to his immediate family, Kenny is survived by his mother, Linda Turek Scott of Hewitt, TX; his father William Russell Scott and stepmother Agnes Scott of Hewitt; his sister Dr. Kimberly Louise Scott Micus of McGregor, TX; and his brother Brian Edward Scott of Midlothian, TX; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and extended family whom he loved dearly.

Prior to his passing, Kenny expressed many times his deep gratitude to his doctors, friends, colleagues, church family and his family members for all their love and support through his cancer journey. He was particularly grateful to the Seekers Sunday School Class, the Linemen Bible Study group, the Sarcoma Center at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and to his care team at Houston Hospice. He also expressed his desire that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation in Houston, TX. The donation link is http://www.cancerfamilies.org/kenneth-l-scott.html.