Kenneth Eugene New

Born in Houston, Ken grew up surrounded by family and spent much of his childhood in San Marcos, Texas, where he and his family made countless memories with his beloved grandparents, Eugene Ford Posey and Julia Mae Posey. Those early days helped shape the man he would become—a fisherman, a hunter, an outdoorsman, and a man who never lost his love for the rivers, the land, and the beautiful world around him.

Ken attended Stratford High School, where he played both baseball and football. In 1980, he proudly answered the call to serve his country as a United States Marine. He served from 1980 to 1986, stationed in San Diego, California, and Hawaii. His service was an important part of who he was, and he carried that pride throughout his life.

But if you knew Ken, you knew that a list of accomplishments could never quite capture him.

Dad was an enigmatic force—a personality that seemed to take up the whole room the moment he walked into it. He loved people. He was a true social butterfly, the kind of person who could strike up a conversation with just about anyone and somehow leave them laughing. His humor was unmistakable, and he had a way of making ordinary moments memorable.

He also had a generous spirit and a heart for his community. Ken was an active committee member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where he especially loved being a part of the Little Rustlers committee. He was also a proud member of the Trolly Tailgaters Cooking Team.

Ken was a proud Tejas Vaquero, and he loved his Vaquero brothers deeply. The friendships, fellowship, and brotherhood he found among them became an important and cherished part of his life. He was also a Mason, carrying with him a deep appreciation for fellowship, service, and the bonds formed through brotherhood.

He was always willing to step up when someone needed a helping hand. Whether it was a big need or a small one, he believed in helping where he could, and he gave his time, his energy, and his heart freely.

Above all else, Ken loved his family.

Ken was immensely proud of his children and cherished his grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter, Meagan Pawlak, and her husband, Cameron Pawlak, and their children, Roane Pawlak and Ellie Pawlak; his son, Kenneth E. New Jr.; and his daughter, Judith Karly New, and her partner, Brandon Conner, and their children, Jared New, Jaxon Conner, and Jada Conner.

He shared a lifelong friendship with the mother of his children, Ginger Griffin, and treasured the family they built together.

He is also survived by his siblings, Gregory New and Allison New, Bradley New, and Kristina Zavala and her husband, Brandon Zavala; his stepmother, Tina New; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon Kenneth New and Patsy Larue Posey; his father-in-law, Edgar “Red” Clay Griffin; as well as many beloved family members and dear friends who surely welcomed him home.

Those who loved Ken will remember many things about him: the stories, the laughter, the larger-than-life personality, the fishing and hunting, the rivers, the camaraderie, the willingness to help, and the unmistakable way he could make a room feel more alive simply by being in it.

But perhaps his greatest legacy will be the things he left in the hearts of those who knew him.

We will carry forward his love for our Creator and for the beautiful world He gave us to care for and enjoy. We will carry his generosity, his willingness to show up for others, his love of family, his deep bonds of brotherhood, and, of course, his sense of humor. We will tell his stories, laugh at his jokes, remember his adventures, and find pieces of him in the places and people he loved.

Ken lived a life full of people, adventure, service, laughter, brotherhood, and love.

And while his absence will leave an enormous space in the lives of those who loved him, his spirit will continue to move through all of us who were lucky enough to know him.

Semper Fi, Dad. We love you. Oorah!

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors on August 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with a reception to follow.