Kenneth Cruse Minter Jr.

Kenneth Cruse Minter Jr., age 91, of Houston passed away peacefully on Saturday, the 9th of January, 2016. He was born in Woodville, TX on the 22nd of May, 1924 to Kenneth Cruse Minter and Frances Hennessy Minter. He was the fourth of six children. As the son of a Methodist minister his childhood was spent in Corpus Christi, Midland, and Gonzales. After graduation from Gonzales High School he went to Texas A&M at the age of 15, then to Louisiana Tech for officer training before enlisting in WWII. He was in the battle of Okinawa and then served on LST ships transporting Japanese POW's from the defeated islands back to Japan and then Chinese soldiers from around the Pacific, returning them to Shanghai. After returning from war he attended the University of Texas Law School where he graduated in 1949 with Honors. He then went to work at Humble Oil Company in Houston, which later became Exxon, retiring 38 years later. He was 24 when his parents were killed in a car wreck, leaving the youngest of his family parentless at the age of 13. Even though he was single, he was dedicated to playing a key role in their parenting and support. The tremendous love of this family kept these young twins from being separated and allowed them to be raised by their siblings. In 1958 he married the love of his life, Norma Lee Dunnam. Their amazing love for each other was apparent to all and set a wonderful example. Ken was an active member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church where he loved attending the Randy Smith Bible Study, the Colonneh Club, the Dervish Dance Club, and was a founding member of the Houston Racquet Club. He had a love for tennis, travel and most importantly time with family. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters and their husbands: Mary Frances and Appie Wright, Betty and Bob White, Anna and Bob Froman, Judy and John Dunn and also by his brother in law Tom Dunnam. He is survived by his wife, Norma Lee and their children: Kenneth and Holly Minter, Susan and Mark Bauer, Mary and Kenneth Mohn; and his adoring grandchildren Hallie Bauer, Emily Mohn, Wills Bauer, Lauren Mohn, Sidney Bauer, Harrison Mohn, Andi Minter, Mimi Bauer, and Tyler Minter. He is also survived by his brother David Minter and wife Caroline, Mary Ann and Bob Charles, Margaret Dunnam and numerous beloved and adored nieces and nephews. Many thanks to Kathy Martin for her sweet devotion.A funeral service for Mr. Minter is to be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 13th of January, 2016 in the sanctuary of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road in Houston, where Dr. Tom Pace, Senior Pastor, is to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the Hines Baker room. The family will gather for a private interment at the Cleveland Memorial Cemetery in Cleveland, Texas.In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX, 77027.