Kenneth Albert Pharr

November 15, 1924 – April 18, 2007

Most of the world never knew the kind, loving, loyal, humorous man who was our father. But those who did know him, loved him, and will surely miss his wit and good humor here on this earth. We, however, rejoice that he has left his earthly body and is once again by the side of his precious wife Mildred.

KENNETH ALBERT PHARR was born November 15, 1924, in Sulphur Springs, Texas, to Oliver Cromwell and Ida Earle Mitchell Pharr. In addition to his wife Mildred and his parents, he was pre-deceased by his half-brothers, Lavon, Rayburn, and Harold and his sisters, Jean Carolyn and Lou Ann.

Ken served his country in WWII in the Army Air Corp, ying 34 missions over Nazi Germany with the 8th Air Force, 95th Bomb Group. T/Sgt Pharr was most proud of his participation in the "Operation Chowhound" missions, in which his crew dropped food to the beleaguered people of Holland.

Upon returning in May 1945, he completed his education at East Texas State University. His first job after college was one he would keep for the next 33 years, as an accountant for The Texas Company, later Texaco Inc. While on his first assignment for Texaco in Gladewater, Texas, he impressed his boss, but more importantly, captured the heart of the bosses' daughter, Mildred. They were married December 13, 1952, and from this union came three children, Kenneth Albert, Jr. (Lynn Hopkins), Mark Walker (Norma Dosier) and Mary Carolyn (Michael Salyer). Ken, "Tah", was head over heels for his two Grandchildren, Karin Marie and Samuel Kenneth Pharr. Mildred and Kenneth were members of Gethsemane United Methodist Church for over 40 years and were devoted members of the Beacon-Friendship Sunday School Class. Ken loved music, had a beautiful voice and delighted in leading the singing on Sunday mornings. He spent his final days at University Place in Houston, TX, not more than a mile from the Pharr family home for the last 40 years.

We would like to thank his caregivers who treated our father as if he were as precious to them as he was to us. We also appreciate his faithful friend Bill Bunch and his Brother-in-Law, Lee Steen, for their visits and evidence of Christian love for their friend Ken. Thanks for everything Dad.

Visitation will be on Friday, April 20, from 6pm to 8pm at Earthman Bellaire, and services will be at 10am, Saturday, April 21, Gethsemane United Methodist Church, 6856 Bellaire Blvd. A reception will follow in the church parlor. Burial at Forest Park Westheimer. For those who wish to make a memorial gift, Dad would appreciate those being directed to the Gethsemane United Methodist Church Endowment Fund.

Houston Chronicle (TX) - Friday, April 20, 2007