John "Jack" William McKenna

He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1944 and a Masters Degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Louisville. He was a Lieutenant in the Navy and served his country in both World War II and the Korean War. He married Gloria Schulte in 1948 and had five children. Jack began working at Standard Oil of New Jersey and his family moved to several cities before settling in Houston, Texas in 1962. He had a successful career at the Exxon Corporation and retired in 1984 as the Vice President of Export Purchasing.

Jack was a devout Catholic who lived his faith in all aspects of his life. He was an active member of Saint Michael Catholic Church where he served on the Pastoral Counsel, Knights of Columbus, Sociable Seniors, was an Acolyte, Eucharistic Minister and a faithful collection counter every Monday. He was a past president of the Notre Dame Club of Houston and was always cheering for his favorite Fighting Irish. Jack was a friend to all and was loved by everyone he met. His charm, quick wit, intelligence, sense of humor and grace impressed all who knew him. He led a fulfilling and blessed life and God will welcome this faithful soul with open arms. Heaven shines brighter with him there.

He was preceded in death by his wife Gloria, son J. Timothy, brother’s Richard and Robert and parents John and Cecelia. He is survived by son Barry B. McKenna, daughter Nancy Mize and husband Bill and their sons Matthew Mize and wife Tabriah and daughters Kiersten and Kaylinn, Daniel Mize, Ben Mize and wife Janet, daughter Molly Sliney and husband Bob and their children Caroline, Rob and Maggie, daughter Amy Greely and husband David and their daughters Madeline and Eloise and his sister Mary Van Metre. Special thanks to his sister-in-laws Patricia and Elizabeth Schulte for always being there when we need them.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Theresa Vicroy, Dr. Stuart Solomon and the Methodist Cardiac rehab team for their unwavering care and support.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Friday, the 9th of March, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. The recitation of the Holy Rosary is to commence at seven o’clock.

The Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at ten o’clock in the morning on Saturday, the 10th of March, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road in Houston, where the Rev. Msgr. Frank H. Rossi is to serve as celebrant.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions may be directed to the John W. McKenna Memorial Fund at Saint Michael Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Rd., Houston, TX, 77056.