Roland Amos Kingery

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Roland Amos Kingery, 92, of Houston Texas, who left us on March 3, 2024. Born on January 23, 1932, in Greene Iowa, Ron Kingery lived a life filled with travel, adventure and service. Growing up in rural Iowa, he was an avid outdoorsman enjoying fishing, hunting, and trapping throughout his school years. He joined the Navy in 1952 and served in the Pacific command until 1956. Active in sports most of his early life, he was an avid participant throughout his school and naval years. Tennis became his lifelong obsession.

Ron was a fixture in the Houston travel industry for many years after moving there in 1959. His employers over the years included Braniff Airlines, Air France, Iran Air, Alitalia and several other airlines. He later became affiliated with Houston based Super Travel and other travel retailers. He made numerous trips to Africa and managed to visit 6 continents and hunt on 5. Africa remained his focus. Starting in the 1960’s and continuing until about 2010 he organized and participated in multiple hunting and photo safaris to Africa. In 1963, he was a founding member and director in Game Conservation International. In 1972, he was a founding member of the Houston Safari Club and the proud recipient of the Legends of Hunting Award in 2005.

Ron Kingery was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, leaving behind many who will miss his wit, stories, and counsel. He is preceded in death by his wife of sixty-six years, Carol Jean Orpen Kingery, his parents Ila Lorain Kingery and Vivian Treon Kingery, and older brother Lloyd Carl Kingery. He is survived by his children, Michelle Marie Hoover of Montgomery, Randal Alan Kingery of Damon, Leslie Ann Grimet of Georgetown, and Kevin Eugene Kingery of Houston. Grandchildren include Allison Hoover, Christopher Hoover, Shannon Kingery Keyes, Randal Kingery, Joe Kingery, Ryan Grimet, and Chad Grimet. Great-Grandchildren include Casen Grimet, Zoey Grimet, Nolan Barnes, Aspen Keyes, Memphis Keyes, Cooper Kingery, and Ryan Kingery. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

A graveside service to celebrate Roland Amos Kingery’s life will be held at Houston National Cemetery on March 20 at 11:30AM. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Houston Safari Club Foundation or Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, two causes close to Ron’s heart.