Kenneth Eugene Kurtz II

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas.

Gene was born on July 5, 1934 in Pampa, Texas to Kenneth and Frankie Kurtz. He attended Deady Junior High School and Milby High School. In 1952, Gene entered Rice University and majored in Engineering. Later in his college career, he transferred to the University of Houston and received his Industrial Engineering degree in 1957.

Gene married Mary Lou Harmon in September of 1960 and they had two children, Lynn and Robert (Bob).

Gene worked for several manufacturing companies and in 1970 he started his own company, Houston Foam Plastics. Houston Foam Plastics was a large part of his life and one of his most celebrated accomplishments.

Gene and Mary Lou enjoyed many hours at their lake home situated on Lake McQueeney. They spent countless hours at the lake and farm property with their family and friends.

Gene and Mary Lou actively supported many philanthropic organizations and charities both in Texas and around the world; Texas Children’s Hospital, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, the Wesley Community Center, in Houston’s Fifth Ward, Heart for Africa, and many more. He was a loyal member and supporter of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church for over 40 years.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Ken and Frankie Kurtz, and his wife, Mary Lou. He is survived by his son and his wife, Bob and Lisa Kurtz, and their children, Mackenzie, Miles, Ainsley, and Wade. He is also survived by his daughter and her husband, Lynn and David Floum, and their children, Cara, Anna and Emma. In addition, he is survived by his sister, Martha Orr, and her children, Buddy and Kenny Grant, and their families. He will be missed by his three cousins and their families as well.

Gene will be remembered as a faithful and loyal servant of God, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or to The Wesley Community Center, 1410 Lee Street, Houston, TX 77009.