A fifth generation Texan with direct lineage to the Sons of the American Revolution and the Sons of the Republic of Texas, Ken grew up in Dallas and attended Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas. He graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Ken met and fell in love with his wife, Annette, of 46 years. Together they moved to Houston where he graduated from South Texas College of Law in 1977, making the Dean’s honor list each year. He started his career as a lawyer in the oil business, and had two sons, Jerome Kenneth Findley II and Jonathan Kyle Findley, before moving to Tyler in 1982. His boys were the greatest joys of his life. He was a compassionate, understanding and active father. Although he had many accomplishments throughout his life, including a prestigious life membership to American MENSA, his proudest accomplishment was the success of his two sons.
Having lost his father at an early age, Ken took an active role in being a devoted dad by attending countless sporting events, organizing family trips, and serving as a scout leader while his sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scouts. After moving to Tyler, Texas, Ken established his own private law practice and took great joy in helping countless people with their legal issues over the last 41 years of his career. He was passionate about serving others and had an impeccable reputation in the legal field for assisting people with various issues ranging from litigation to oil and gas, and everywhere in between. He received numerous accolades for his achievements, including: AV Preeminent rating, Lawyers of Distinction, and was a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and the Texas Bar College. Ken enjoyed hunting and was avid reader of history, autobiographies and the ever changing law. He also enjoyed planning adventures for his family, and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle on less traveled roads throughout the United States. He and his wife are very active in the Tyler community, helping support a wide range of noble causes such as the Women’s Symphony League, The Tyler Art Museum, Bethesda, Tyler Day Nursery, and many other worthy causes. Ken lived a very full and beautiful life. Nothing overshadowed the love and devotion he had for his family.
He is preceded in death by his father Jack Findley, his mother and step-father Doris Lloyd Findley Hinson and Howard Hinson, and by his son, Jerome Kenneth Findley II. The pain of losing his first born son weighed heavily on his heart over the last several years. Despite tragedy, he remained a dedicated husband and father. One of his proudest moments came recently, as he was able to watch his son Kyle give closing arguments and obtain one of the largest verdicts in Texas this year. It was something that he talked about every day while beaming with pride, to anyone who would listen. His family and friends take comfort that from the moment he closed his eyes here on Earth, he opened them in heaven with Jesus and his son Kenny.
Ken is survived by his loving wife, Annette Sterlacci Findley and their son, Jonathan Kyle Findley of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by his sister, Jacqueline Findley of Gladewater, Texas; his mother in-law Linda Sterlacci of Dallas, Texas; brother in-law Mike and Heidi Sterlacci of Dallas, Texas; and sister in-law Susan and Peter Demiduk of Clearwater, Florida; and his nieces and nephews, Michael, Christopher, Nikki and Samantha Sterlacci, Ashlee Demiduk, and Wendy and Richard Ramires.
Visitation will be held at Lloyd James Funeral Home on Thursday, July 19, 2018, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Rosary to follow.
A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Friday, July 20, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the scholarship fund started for Ken’s son, Kenny - the J. Kenneth Findley II Scholarship for Children with Musical Aspirations at the Women's Symphony League of Tyler, P.O. Box 6823, Tyler, Texas 75711.
