Kenneth C English's Obituary
Kenneth C. “Ken” English, age 92, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, February 28, 2018. Mamie, the love of his life and wife for over 70 years, and other family were by his side. Ken dearly loved his family and many friends. But those loves pale in comparison to his love of Mamie.Ken was born on December 10, 1925, the third oldest of eight children of James Edgar and Florence English. He grew up in Dallas during the Depression. He served in the Army during World War II. He trained as a pilot, though the war ended before he was deployed. After the war he attended college and graduated from The University of Texas in Austin with a Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering. This started Ken on a lifelong career in what he described as the “oil field”, and as an ardent fan of all sports teams of “The University”.For the vast majority of Ken’s career he was self-employed as an independent oilman, with exploration activities in the Southwest States and his own operations focused on South Texas. Ken was a successful, self-made businessman. He was smart and resourceful and would see and act on opportunities that others missed. Ken loved his work and respected hard work. He continued to come to his office daily until the last few months before his passing. But even with this passion for his career, Ken always spoke of the importance of family life. It was very important for him to have a balance between his work life and family life. Ken found that balance.Ken became a Christian when he was 12. He received his first Bible from his Mother when he was in the Army (the Bible had a metal back and he was to put it in his shirt pocket to protect him). But it was as a young man that his faith grew and he felt it changed his life. Ken was always an active member of a Baptist or Bible church during his adult life, with leadership positions in most.Ken had other loves in his life besides his wife, children and grandchildren. He loved to fly and for many years owned and piloted a single-engine plane. He would fly it on business to South Texas and on vacation trips. His favorite sport was golf, which he learned as a young teenage caddy. He played golf throughout his life and was a member of Royal Oaks Country Club for over 40 years where he built many treasured friendships. He also played in many senior tournaments and proudly came home with several trophies. He loved to watch sports – cheering with great enthusiasm for the Longhorns, Cowboys, Mavericks or Rangers. He also loved music. He taught himself how to play the piano and could recite the words to almost any 1930s song or Baptist hymn. He had a beautiful voice and was usually a member of the church choir.Ken will be remembered as a loving, humble and generous son, husband, father, grandfather and Christian; as a well-respected oilman by his employees and those he worked within the industry; and a good friend. He will be greatly missed.Ken was preceded in death by a sister, and two brothers, Virginia Johnson, Carl English and Jimmy English. He is survived by Mamie and two brothers and two sisters, Bobby English of Tool, TX, Jerry English and wife Rose English of Irving, TX, Mary Phipps and husband Don Phipps of Garland, TX, and Margie Fox of Dayton, TX. He is also survived by two daughters, Becky English and husband Alex Vaught of Bonham, TX, and Wanda Gass and husband Richard Gass of Dallas, TX, along with three granddaughters whom he dearly loved, Heather Leonard and husband Jim Leonard, Joan Gass and Barbara Gass.Visitation will be from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243. A memorial service will be at 5:00 pm Sunday, March 4, 2018, at Grace Bible Church, 11306 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX 75229. A reception at Grace will follow the service.The family would like to especially thank the care partners, nurses and caregivers at The Tradition-Lovers Lane – Assisted Living, Allstar Hospice and Home Helpers of Dallas for their loving care of Ken.The family considers flowers an honorable tribute as are donations. We suggest donations to any of the following organizations to honor Ken’s memory: UT Southwestern Medical Foundation, Dallas Theological Seminary, and The Salvation Army. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243, (972-238-7111).
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