Karl J. Nann

Karl is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Sally Virginia Evans Nann, of Houston, Texas, who now resides in The Harbor at Parkway Place. Always the proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Karl is also survived by: their three children; daughter Melanie Kennedy and husband Dr. Patrick L. Kennedy of Dallas, Texas; daughter Allison Valentine and husband Michael Valentine of Los Gatos, California and son Karl John Nann Jr. and wife Sally Hemminghaus Nann of Houston, Texas. Also, twelve grandchildren: Lauren Kennedy Kauffman of Denver, Colorado; Elaine, Kathryn and Bryan Kennedy of Dallas, Texas; Nicholas, Anthony and Annabella Valentine of Los Gatos, California; Cody Nann of Houston, Texas; Audrey Keeley of Austin, Texas; Mary Prideaux of Santa Monica, California; Brittany Fry of Robstown, Texas and Robert Fry of Bay City, Texas. In addition, great-grandchildren Holly Prideaux of Austin, Texas; Ashlyn Armenta of Robstown, Texas and Cooper Kauffman of Denver, Colorado. Finally, Karl’s brother, James Richard (Dick) Nann and wife Maxine of Kings Mountain, North Carolina; sister Christine Bart of Rome, New York and several nieces and nephews. Karl was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia McLean.

Karl grew up in Syracuse, New York where he attended high school at Christian Brothers Academy. He graduated as Vice President of his class. Karl was a three sport athlete lettering in football, basketball and baseball. Following graduation from high school, Karl enlisted in the United States Navy, spending most of his service time as a radar operator aboard the aircraft carrier USS Leyte, operating predominately in the Mediterranean Sea.

Upon discharge from the Navy, Karl attended the State University of New York Teachers College at Oswego, New York. During his senior year at Oswego, he was President of Psi Phi fraternity, the “Block O” club and captained the basketball and baseball teams. He graduated from Oswego in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree, with a major in Elementary Education.

In June 1953, Karl began his career with the Shell Oil Company as Salesman-in-Training in Syracuse, New York. After several assignments in Syracuse and Portland, Maine, he transferred to the West Coast, in November 1963, where he served as Sales Manager of the Spokane, Washington and Oakland, California retail districts for several years. In February 1970, Karl transferred to the head office in Houston, Texas. Karl retired from Shell in Houston in February 1988, after 35 years of service.

After retirement, Karl and Sally chose to remain in Houston close to family and friends. Karl was a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church, where he was active with the bazaar for a number of years. Karl also worked for the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast, as a loaned executive from Shell for three years. Karl and Sally were members of the Pine Forest Country Club where they enjoyed many rounds of golf and participated in numerous club activities. Karl served on many committees and the Board of Directors, serving as President of the Club during 2003-2004.

The family wishes to thank all the staff at Buckner Hospice and the special ladies for their loving care of our father.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held on September 5, 2012 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, Texas 77079 at 1:00pm. Following the service, a celebration of Karl’s life will be held at Pine Forest Country Club, 18003 Clay Road, Houston, Texas 77084, for all his friends and colleagues who wish to attend.

Donations in memory of Karl may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 8462, Chicago, Illinois 60680, or M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX.