Alfred Leon Kenjura Sr.

Alfred L. Kenjura, Sr., loving husband, father and grandfather(Pa Pa) passed away January 16,2015. He was born on March 31, 1926 in Brenham, Texas, the son of Victor Alex Kenjura and Sophie (Washerlesky) Kenjura. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brenham, Texas. At the age of 17, he volunteered to serve his country during World War II by joining the Navy. He received his training in San Diego, CA and small landing craft training in Coronado, CA. Upon completion, he was shipped to the South Pacific by way of Pearl Harbor and later to Guadalcanal, where he was assigned to his ship U.S.S. James O’Hare, an amphibious assault ship. With his small boat training he was a second class petty officer and was a pilot of a landing craft and participated in the invasion of Peleliu Islands, Tacloban Leyte, Lingayen Gulf, Luzon in the Philippines and Iwo Jima, taking troops and supplies ashore on D-Day at each location. He also survived an attack by a Kamikaze plane that hit his ship in the Philippines. He was awarded the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 2 bronze Battle Stars and the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with 4 Bronze Battle Stars. After being honorably discharged, he settled in Houston, Texas. He attended Southwestern Business University and the University of Houston.

On August 22, 1948, he married the love of his life, Florence L. Kitowski, the daughter of Albert and Nellie (Levandowsky) Kitowski at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brenham, Texas by Rev. Msgr. Charles Weisnerowski.

He spent his entire career in the transportation industry being associated with Westheimer Transfer/Allied Van Lines for over 22 years and before his retirement was Vice President and General Sales Manager for Wald/Mayflower for over 23 years. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic since 1950, St. Rose of Lima Men’s Club, Scripture Sharing Group, Honorary Members of The Knights of Columbus #2917, American Legions, The Iwo Jima Survivors Association, past member of The Transportation Club of Houston, The Plaza Club, Governor’s Club & The University Club. He enjoyed making his trips to reunions with his shipmates of the U.S.S. James O’Hara, his last being in Nashville, TN in 2008. After his retirement he enjoyed spending a lot of time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He enjoyed going to all of his grandchildren’s activities, such as baseball, football, basketball, volleyball and soccer. He also enjoyed going to the country farm in Chappel Hill, Texas to check on his cattle and spend time with his son, Alfred, his daughters, Debbie, Cynthia, Sharon and his son-in-law, Jimmy and the grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Florence Kitowski Kenjura, mother and father, Sophie and Victor Kenjura, his brother, Bill Kenjura and his infant sister, Evelyn Kenjura.

He is survived by his children, Deborah A. Hargett, Cynthia K. Bigelow, Alfred L. Kenjura Jr., Sharon K. Kuzniarek and husband Jimmy Kuzniarek, grandchildren, Alexandra, Lauren and Hunter Bigelow, Tyler, Chad and Macey Kuzniarek, sister-in-law Helen Kenjura and sister-in-law, Dorothy M. Kitowski of Brenham.

Pallbearers are Richard Kenjura, Dr. Bryan Kenjura, Tyler Kuzniarek, Chad Kuzniarek, Hunter Bigelow, David Kmiecik, Jimmy McKee and Brad Harmon. Honorary pallbearers, Paul Kenjura, John Kenjura, Ray Kenjura, Atwood Kenjura, Albert Kitowski III, Jerry Bougeous, Jack Page, Bill King, Bob Chappell, Marilyn Baird, Donald Kmiecik, Mark Kmiecik, Raymond Walker, and Andy Nossek.

Special thanks to MD Anderson for the care they have given our father for the last 3 ½ years.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 23, 2015 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, with a Rosary recited at 7:00pm at Pat H. Foley Funeral Home. There will be a funeral mass on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 10:30am at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church at 3600 Brinkman. Graveside services will follow at Forest Park Westheimer.