Garland Kennon Obituary
Hi Billy, this is Jane Kennon. My husband of 65 years, Garland Kennon, passed away on Dec 8. He was one of “Daddy Darrell’s” first captains. Thanks for all u do to keep the Longhorns connected.
1957 Garland Kennon
Garland Kennon
12/16/1935 – 12/08/2024
Garland Kennon, beloved husband, father and grandfather, went to his Heavenly home on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at his West Houston home.
Garland was born on December 16, 1935, in St. Augustine, Texas, to Willie Edwin and Ibera “Doll” Kennon.
He attended The University of Texas at Austin from 1954 to 1959, where he lettered in football as a lineman and earned a degree in Petroleum Engineering. Garland played his final year for the Longhorns under Hall of Fame coach Darrell K. Royal, who became a lifelong guiding influence. During his time at UT, he met his wife, Jane Craver, at Gregory Gym during registration. After dating for two and a half years, they began their 65-year marriage on June 7, 1959. The couple would start their adventures together in Columbus, Ohio, and eventually travel the world, including time in Rio de Janeiro, Perth and Melbourne Australia, finishing their overseas time in Singapore. In 1979, Garland, Jane and their two children settled in Houston, Texas, where they would remain for the next 45 years.
Garland enjoyed many happy days at Pine Forest Country Club playing golf with Jane and numerous friends over 40 years. He was also active at Tallowood Baptist Church as a member of the choir and Praisers Sunday School class. In addition, he was chapter president of the Association of Energy Service Companies.
One of his favorite hobbies was honing his barbecue skills by cooking for friends, family, and non-profit organizations. Garland also loved reading Western novels by Louis L’amour, watching James Bond movies and attending and later watching on television his beloved Texas Longhorns.
Garland was preceded in death by his brothers, Drue Edwin and Vance. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jane; son, Stephen Kennon and his wife, Jana of Wimberley, Texas; daughter, Diane Shrull and her husband, Steve of Richardson, Texas; and four grandchildren, Matthew Kennon and his wife Kira, and Brian, Katie and David Shrull.
Plans for a Celebration of Life for Garland at Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston will be in January and announced through the church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Parkinson Disease Association or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Houston Chronicle on Dec. 15, 2024.
Rodney Kelley
December 14, 2024
Sad to see a great friend and fellow T Letter winner. Garland was one of the first captains on the football team at UT under Coach Darrell Royal. Coach Royal had a special place in his heart for those guys because they helped him get his culture underway leading into the Royal Era. Their first year, they went from 1-9 the year before to 6-3-1 in Garland’s senior year. Coach always said the turnaround was due to Garland’s and his fellow captain’s leadership that made it happen that quickly. A great friend and a loyal Longhorn. May the perpetual shine upon you, Garland. Prayers to the family and especially Jane. HOOK’EM
