Garland Kennon

Garland Kennon, beloved husband, father and grandfather, went to his Heavenly home on Sunday December 8, 2024 at his West Houston home. Garland was born on December 16, 1935, in St. Augustine, Texas to Willie Edwin and Ibera “Doll” Kennon. 

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 1PM at Bethel Cemetery, Center, Texas, with Dr. Jerry Hopkins officiating.

He attended The University of Texas at Austin from 1954 to 1959, where he lettered in football as a lineman and earned a degree in Petroleum Engineering.  Garland played his final year for the Longhorns under Hall of Fame coach Darrell K. Royal, who became a lifelong guiding influence.  During his time at UT, he met his wife, Jane Craver, at Gregory Gym during registration.  After dating for two and a half years, they began their 65-year marriage on June 7, 1959. The couple would start their adventures together in Columbus, Ohio and eventually travel the world, including time in Rio de Janeiro, Perth and Melbourne Australia, finishing their overseas time in Singapore. In 1979, Garland, Jane and their two children settled in Houston, Texas, where they would remain for the next 45 years.  

Garland enjoyed many happy days at Pine Forest Country Club playing golf with Jane and numerous friends over 40 years. He was also active at Tallowood Baptist Church as a member of the choir and Praisers Sunday School class. In addition, he was chapter president of the Association of Energy Service Companies.  

One of his favorite hobbies was honing his barbecue skills by cooking for friends, family, and non-profit organizations.  Garland also loved reading Western novels by Louis L’amour, watching James Bond movies and attending and later watching on television his beloved Texas Longhorns.  

Garland was preceded in death by his brothers Drue Edwin and Vance.  He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jane, son Stephen Kennon and his wife Jana of Wimberley, Texas, daughter Diane Shrull and her husband Steve of Richardson, Texas, and four grandchildren, Matthew Kennon and his wife Kira, and Brian, Katie and David Shrull.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Parkinson Disease Association or the charity of your choice.