Kenneth Willard Brauer

Kenneth Willard Brauer passed away on November 22, 2010. He was born on October 24, 1942, in San Jose, California. He grew up in Bellaire, Texas, attending Condit and Horn elementary schools and Pershing Junior High School, and graduated from Spring Branch High School in 1961.

After serving in the Texas National Guard, Ken graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in English and chemistry. He earned his law degree from South Texas College of Law in Houston in 1973, becoming a member of the Texas Bar the same year.

Ken was dedicated to his law practice. For the past ten years, he practiced primarily in the juvenile district courts, before Judge Pat Shelton in the 313th District Court, Judge John Phillips in the 314th District Court, and Judge Mike Schneider in the 315th District Court. He handled both delinquency cases and Children’s Protective Services cases. Ken was also active in local bar associations. He served as an officer and director in the Juvenile Law Section of the Houston Bar Association, and was the chairman at the time of his passing.

Outside his law practice, Ken was a multifaceted individual. He was an accomplished woodworker, creating beautiful tables and chairs. He collected rocks and minerals, cut gemstones, and astounded friends and family with his encyclopedic knowledge of both classical and modern history. Ken also enjoyed cooking, classical music, and entertaining.

Ken is preceded in death by his mother, Irene Kathryn Brauer. He is survived by his father, Dr. Raymond Brauer, and Dr. Brauer’s wife, Sylvia; his aunt, Dorothy Brauer Dietz; his sister, Kathryn Brauer Ziemba and husband, Michael Ziemba; his nephew, Paul Ziemba and wife, Emily Earthman Ziemba; and his nephew, Jonathan Ziemba.

A memorial service will be held in the chapel of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 1. A reception follows in the church parlor.