Kenneth Wade Kilcrease Sr., 88, born and raised in Kerens, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on December 18, 2024 in the arms of his loving wife Patsy Kilcrease.

Kenneth was born on April 10, 1936 to Bert Daniel Kilcrease and Allie Mae Breeding. He was the first of three children born of this union. Kenneth attended school in Kerens working alongside his family on their farm. He began riding horses as a young child which ingrained a love for ranching, successfully raising both horses and cattle most of his life. At an early age, Kenneth developed a love for the finer things working hard to earn his way in this world. He left home at the age of 16 pursuing a career in pipeline welding that took him all over the world. Kenneth never lost sight of his Kerens roots. He married his high school sweetheart, Martha Nell Wright and started a family shortly thereafter having two sons, Kenneth Wade Kilcrease Jr. and William Bert Kilcrease. Kenneth brought his family along with him on his travels to keep them close by his side. When he traveled overseas, he knew his family would be safe at home in the care of the Wright family.

In June 1971, Kenneth married Joan Hawkins Kenner gaining 3 more wonderful children, Candis Wells (Jim), Chris Kenner (Glenna), and Kathy Jo Commiato (Dave). This blended union was blessed for many years with love and laughter. Kenneth and Joan enjoyed travel, dancing, and playing games with their close friends. When they were home, they could always be found having coffee and visiting with others around their table. During this time, the family continued to grow with the addition of grandchildren.

Kenneth doted on his grandchildren but always held them to the highest standard. He instilled a work ethic in each of these children that has filtered down through the years leaving a significant legacy. He loved each of his grandchildren in his own unique way taking a vested interest in their unique talents and abilities. Once the great grandchildren came, his love grew deeper and his heart softened as he

could often be found playing with them in the floor, traveling to spectate in their activities, and teaching them how to plant a garden. He would tell them often to save their money for a rainy day. He shared memorable stories of his childhood adventures and tall tales of the creatures lurking in the woods.

Kenneth's travels, both personal and professional, took him across the globe from the US to the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, Libya, South Korea, the North Sea, Mexico, and England. "Kenny" was known as a legend in the pipeline industry achieving the honor of assisting in the construction of the Trans Alaska Pipeline in the mid-1970s. He would later bring his son's Kenny and Bert to work alongside him.

Bert continued on his career path, following in his father's footsteps mastering the trade and traveling the world with opportunities to work together with Kenneth. Time cherished by both men. Kenneth was a proud member of the Pipeliners Union 798 for 70 years. He talked often of his adventures and possessed an acquired skill set for poker. Kenneth loved to enjoy life but when it was time to work, that is just what he did. If he presented a job to do, "you had better get your rear in gear."

Following the death of his wife Joan, Kenneth met Patsy Elaine Sharpe through a mutual friend. After a whirlwind courtship, they married giving Patsy the gift of family. Kenneth and Patsy shared some travels and adventures but continued cattle operations.

He is preceded in death by Madden Thompson (great grandson), Lovenia and Marvin Potter (sister and brother in law), Erin Kilcrease (grandson), Candis Wells (daughter), Joan Kilcrease, and Martha Nell.