James Kenneth Almond

James Kenneth Almond, 84, of The Woodlands, TX peacefully passed away at home Saturday morning, December 14, 2013 surrounded by his wife and four children. Kenneth was born January 25, 1929 in Port Arthur, TX to parents James M. and Dorothy D. Batson Almond. Kenneth served in the U.S. Marines during World War II. He received his bachelor’s degree and Masters in Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. Following, he dedicated over thirty six years to coaching football and education administration. Twenty of those years were spent at Dayton Independent School District before retiring. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62years: Nell Ross Almond of The Woodlands; his daughters: Paula Almond of Atascocita, Pamela Almond Haynie and husband John of Hardin, and Patricia Almond Dolezal and husband Eddie of Porter; his son: Kenneth Ross Almond and wife Terrie of Montgomery; his grandchildren: Bradley LaFour and wife Mindy, Luke Doebele and wife Jennie, Stephen Bexley, Sarah Nell Puffer, and Daniel Ross Almond; his great-grandchildren: Addyson Claire LaFour, and Kohen Shaw Doebele; his sister Noreen Almond Nunez of Dallas; niece: Laurie Nunez Phillips and husband Wade. A coach, teacher, mentor, father and grandfather Kenneth dedicated his life to the advancement of other’s lives. He lived by his faith, and believed actions spoke louder than words. For those who knew and loved Kenneth, these words do not fully encompass the many roles he filled and the impression he has left in all our hearts. Rather, his legacy is left in the way in which we live our lives today. The family encourages you to leave your thoughts and memories in Kenneth’s guestbook at http://www.pacestancil.com/. Anyone wishing to remember Mr. Almond can do so by contributing to the scholarship fund made in his honor. Checks can be made payable to the Kenneth Almond Scholarship Fund at Dayton Independent School District and mailed to P.O. Box 248 Dayton, TX 77535. Per request of Kenneth, there will be no public service. Rather, Kenneth’s words were “I don’t want anyone to miss a ball game, a golf game or an opportunity to spend time with their family to come to my funeral.” There will be a private family ceremony on Mount Franklin in El Paso, TX. Arrangements are under the direction of Pace-Stancil Funeral Home, Dayton, Texas.