Kenneth Gerald Tapley

Kenneth Gerald Tapley or as most of us called him, “Kenny”, was born in Pasadena, Texas on September 21, 1964 to Sandra Kay and Tommy Tapley. Kenny was a beloved son, brother, “Unkie” and dad but most of all, he was a kind and generous friend. Kenny passed away October 24, 2025 at the young age of 61 with his family by his side. He has shared the last 16 years of his life with his long-time partner Ms. Candee Freedman. Kenny worked for the Pipefitters Union 211 for 18 years as a welder before moving on and starting what would be a 20 year long career with Reliant Energy as a pipefitter/welder. Kenny’s passion was being on the lake catching largemouth bass with his irreplaceable Senko lure. He never missed a Memorial weekend fishing trip out on Lake Toledo Bend with his dad, brother and nephew. Sundays and NASCAR were a tradition for Kenny, #24 Jeff Gordon. Kenny poured his love into his home cooked meals, taking pride in every dish and found joy sharing them with family and friends. He cared deeply about his family, always putting their needs before his own. Kenny was well known for the love he had towards his fur babies, especially his faithful Blue Heeler, Diablo, who was like a son to him.​

He is survived by his parents Sandra Kay and Tommy Tapley, long-time partner Candee Freedman, brother Richard Tapley, daughter Shelby Tapley, her husband Patrick Martin and daughter Brooke, Nephew Joel Tapley, his wife Brittany and their children Emmy and Lane. Along with Aunts Joyce Jenkins, Shirley McClain and Linda Tapley, Uncles Don McClain, Michael Reese, Treman Perkins and a number of cousins.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents Helen and Orvilla Reese, and Mae Pearl and James Walter Tapley, his Aunt Laverne Perkins, and Uncles JR, JW, Johnny Jenkins and Jimmy Tapley, and cousin Darla Kay Tapley.