JOHN KENNETH “KEN” HIGH
1939-2017
Heaven became a little bit sweeter on April 28, 2017 when John Kenneth “Ken” High passed away peacefully in his home. A second-generation native Houstonian, Ken was born on July 25, 1939 to John and Ruth Brown High. Ken was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to many. His life was filled with love for his family who will deeply miss him but know he will be always be watching over us. We celebrate that he is with his Lord and know without question that his loving parents were they’re waiting to give him a BIG hug! Oh the celebration they are having in heaven!
Ken attended Bellaire High School before moving to Kerrville, Texas to attend and graduate from Schreiner Military Academy where he became a Lieutenant Officer. After attending Junior College at Schreiner, Ken enrolled at the University of Houston. After 10 years of night school, sometimes working three jobs to support his growing family, Ken graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering with Minors in Geology and Psychology. Later, Ken was very proud when he obtained his Certified Environmental Assessor/Inspector Consultant Endorsement.
From his first humble job of working on lawnmower motors and cars, working in the drafting and architect fields, Ken became President of Land Development for Properties International where he designed and developed many different subdivisions in the Northwest Houston Area.
In 1974, Ken founded H & L Utility Services, Inc., where he was known by his peers as one of the “pioneers” in the water district business. In 1991, the company became Water, Environmental & Technical Services, Inc. and his entire family has worked at the company, which continues to grow. Ken was very passionate about the business he created and continued to go to the office every day until the week he became ill.
Ken had a love for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo where he was a Lifetime Member. He sponsored many high school students throughout the years in the Calf Scramble. This love carried through to the land he and his wife Pat, own in Crockett, Texas where they raised many head of cattle on their beautiful property.
Most of all, Ken loved his family – a proud husband of his bride of 55 years, his son and daughter, his three grandchildren and especially proud of his one great grandson and he leaves a powerful legacy to his family, even down to the special handshake he had with his grandsons. Many cherished the love story and example of a beautiful, loyal marriage that he and Pat, his “babe”, had. He lead a life of impeccable character that inspired those who knew him well; his leadership and strong presence impacted many. The consummate gentleman, he treated everyone with a quiet but genuine respect. He had a combination of determination and perseverance infused with a great love of life.
John Kenneth High is preceded in death by his parents John Abner and Ruth Brown High. He is survived by his beautiful, loving wife of 55 years, Patsy Martin High; their son Kenneth DeWayne High, his wife Christine High and grandchildren John Wesley High, Amy High Jove, her husband Cisco Jove and his precious great grandson Titus Ezekiel Jove; their daughter Wendy High ThomasSchilleci, her husband Wayne Schilleci, and grandson Chase Mitchell Thomas. Ken is also survived by his beloved dog Baby, who never left his side.
A visitation for Ken will be held Monday, May 1, 2017 from 5:00-8:00pm at Klein Funeral Home – Cy-Fair, 9719 Wortham Blvd., Houston, Tx 77065. Services celebrating his life will be Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 2:00pm in the chapel of Klein Funeral Home – Cy-Fair. Graveside Services to follow at Klein Memorial Park Cy-Fair - Northwest, 14711 Cypress N. Houston Rd., Cypress, Tx 77429.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to one of the following organizations: Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, American Heart Association, or American Lung Association.