Kenneth Lane Durden

Kenneth Lane Durden, 79, of Cypress, Texas, passed away on October 9, 2024 Born on October 6, 1945, in Amite, Louisiana, he was the son of BB and Willie Mae Durden. Ken lived a life filled with love, dedication to his family and his faith. A graduate of Sulphur High School, Ken went on to earn a Master in Business Administration from the University of Houston.

Ken was married to Linda Pampell Durden for 53 wonderful years and was a dedicated father to his two sons, Kevin and David Durden, who were the pride and joy of his life. Ken was a devoted father, always present at his sons' sports events, whether coaching from the sidelines or cheering from the stands. His passion for sports extended to his grandchildren's games and his unwavering support for the Houston Astros, Houston Cougars, and The University of California Bears Swim Team. Ken was a proud participant in the Noontime Basketball Association at the University of Houston and one of his fondest memories was scoring a basket against Cougar great Hakeem Olajuwon.

Ken had a zest for life that included travel, going to casinos around the globe, and foremost spending quality time with family and friends. His adventures took him to some of the world's most iconic destinations, including the Great Wall of China, the Australian Gold Coast, the Taj Mahal and the wineries of California. Ken was known as "Big Daddy" to his grandchildren. His love for them was boundless, and he delighted in granting their every wish. He loved being around people and his warmth and generosity touched everyone he met. A man of deep faith and his love for God, led him to be one of the founders of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Jersey Village.

Professionally, Ken built a successful career in Information Systems and Technology. He began at Lockheed Martin, then moved to the University of Houston, and joined Bechtel in 1981, where he worked until his retirement in 2010. His career took him around the world, with significant time spent in Houston, Singapore, San Francisco, and Phoenix.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; his sons, Kevin and wife Eva, and David and wife Cathy; and his cherished grandchildren, Jack, Mia, Ella, and Greyson Durden, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Gwen and Lynette Lively and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Buster and Willie Mae Durden and his brother and sister-in-law Donald and Marion Durden. He leaves behind many co-workers and friends who remember him as “a friend in need” and are “grateful for the wonderful things he has done.”

Ken was baptised February 3, 1974 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church Houston, Texas and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church Downtown. A celebration of his life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church Downtown, 800 Houston Ave, Houston, TX 77007 on October 28, 2024 at 2PM with internment on October 29th at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery at 10AM. Parking is available at the church or directly across Washington Avenue at the Upbring School of Discovery and Leadership, located at 1316 Washington Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made the American Heart Association or the American Living Association.