Albert Kennedy Solcher

After a life as a dedicated husband and loving father and grandfather, Albert (Ken) Solcher, 74, peacefully passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 in Katy, Texas. Ken was born in San Antonio, Texas on September 24, 1935. He graduated St. Thomas High School in Houston and the University of Texas, earning a BS in Chemical Engineering. He married Anne on February 27, 1960. They just recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. He is survived by Anne, his wife and best friend, and four children, Laura Bussell and husband Brent, Sally Dyess and husband Dave, Susan Derrick and husband Jeff, and Tom Solcher and his wife, Mary. He also enjoyed extended time with his eleven grandchildren, Devon and Erin Bussell, Dayna, Rachel and Stephanie Dyess, Doug, Jennifer and Marc Derrick, and Shelby, Matthew and Brandon Solcher. Ken was the oldest of six siblings who are still close today – Charles Solcher and wife Taffy, Kay Tweddale, Ray Solcher and wife Karen, Susan Solcher and Ann Ganter.

Ken’s career spanned five decades in the petrochemical industry as a chemical engineer, project manager and general manager, beginning with Maxwell House Coffee on to Jefferson Chemical (later Texaco), Fish Engineering, Tidewater and Dow Chemical. He was an innovator in design and practical application, creating skid mounted gas processing plants, environmental cleanup technology and patented technology in gas turbines.

With Anne, he traveled to five continents and was an avid reader of history, science and novels. He used this knowledge and a quick sense of humor to tell involved stories and was once dubbed “the greatest story teller – both tall and short. “

The family would like to express their profound gratitude and appreciation to the many friends and relatives who made his life richer and more colorful. We hope that you remember the gifts that Ken left you with and not the sorrow of his passing.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 22nd from 5 to 8 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 23rd at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Memorial Oaks Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to your favorite charity to spread his joy to many.