HUGH KINNEBREW

1941-2021

Hugh Kinnebrew lived a long and full life.

Hugh was born and raised in Beaumont, where he graduated from French High School as valedictorian and president of his class. After a year at Lamar University, he transferred to Rice University and spent most of the rest of his life in the Houston area.

Hugh earned a B.A. from Rice in 1963 and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering in

1964 and years later an M.B.A. from The University of Houston. Except for 3 years as a system engineer for IBM, he spent his entire career at the Lubrizol Corporation plant in Deer Park. At Lubrizol, Hugh worked almost 40 years in a wide variety of management roles in areas such as production and distribution, but the majority of his work had to do with information systems. Hugh especially enjoyed learning new technologies and teaching others how to implement them.

Over the years, Hugh contributed to the wider community in various ways and in various places. He worked with two different churches as an officer, on committees, and as treasurer. He was a dedicated and successful youth baseball and football coach. For almost 15 years after his retirement in 2002, Hugh was an active American Red Cross volunteer, first in the Clear Lake area and then at the Chapter Headquarters in Houston. He spent most of his Red Cross time working for Military Services and Disaster Services, and at the end of his volunteer years he was working for the National Red Cross in Financial Services.

Hugh was a loving husband, a proud father, and an adoring grandfather. He and his wife, Mary Jane, spent over 55 years enjoying good adventures together. Interests at various times included tennis, golf, sailing, country-western dancing, and their volunteer efforts. Travel highlights were Scotland, Alaska, Vancouver Island, and Sixthman music cruises. The whole family enjoyed summer visits to the Ozarks and a yearly stay at the Other Place Resort in New Braunfels for 40+ years. Devoted Rice fans, Hugh and MJ were in Omaha for The College World Series whenever the Baseball Owls were, and often when they weren’t. In recent years Hugh especially enjoyed traveling to see the Rice women’s teams in conference championship play.

Trips with and visits from children and grandchildren were always the best of times. Hugh will be much missed by his daughter and son-in-law, Jill and George Dietrich; his son and daughter-in-law,

Dave and Leigh Kinnebrew; and his grandchildren: Grant Dietrich, Chloe Kinnebrew, and Will Kinnebrew.

Hugh was touched by and grateful for the support from friends and family as he dealt with pancreatic cancer over the last two years. The kindness and love and generosity were uplifting and crucial in giving him both comfort and strength during that time. He also was especially grateful to Dr. Aga, Dr. Barakat, Dr. Boppidi, and the nurses and staff members at the KelseySeybold Cancer Center. Hugh felt that their expertise and care gave him two bonus years to enjoy life. Houston Hospice gave him and his family comfort in his last days.

There will be no formal service. Hugh will be buried at Davidson Cemetery in Thurber, Texas, a few miles from Strawn, where he and MJ were married. His family and friends will always carry him in their hearts. To honor Hugh’s life, please consider a toast with a friend and/or a donation to Family to Family Network, The Houston Food Bank, Houston Hospice, or some other worthy cause. Condolences may be offered at www.millerfuneral.com