Kendall “Ken” Conway Abney
Kendall “Ken” Conway Abney, 68 of Nome, Texas died on Thursday, May 26, 2022. He was born June 23, 1953, in Beaumont, Texas to loving parents, Iris Marie Cain and George “Conway” Abney.
Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Carolyn Martel Abney; son Brent Abney and his wife, Rebecca; grandchildren Bryton Abney and Berklee Abney; brothers, Kerry Abney and his wife Pat, and Brian Abney and his wife, Sharon; and nieces, Brandy Crawford, Jennifer Bell, and Jamie Abney.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Pamela Sue Keay.
Being born into a rice farming family, Ken, developed a love for all things agriculture. He graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1976 with a BS in Agriculture and then would use this knowledge as a partner in Abney and Sons Farms. He and his brother, Kerry were proud to be chosen as the 1994 Texas Rice Festival’s Young Farmers of the Year. In 2005, his focus shifted to preparing the next generation of farmers. He joined the staff at Hardin-Jefferson High School as an Ag Teacher and taught scores of kids in his 17 years of service. He was instrumental in starting the school’s successful welding program, cultivating winning Rice Judging teams and was a Reaud Excellence in Education award Nominee in 2014. “Mr. Abney” took pride in making sure every student that was a part of the HJ FFA knew the FFA Creed. His life reflected the principles found in this Creed.
While he was profoundly proud of his Ag students, nothing brought him more joy than his son and his family. He adored his two grandchildren, Bryton and Berklee. He and Carolyn went to extraordinary efforts to be front and center at ball games, cheerleading competitions and any other activity they were involved in. When he was no longer physically capable of attending in person, he could be found watching on his phone from his hospital bed. Visitors were told, “Hold on, Bryton’s coming up to bat”. He was grateful for the visitors but there was no doubt the grandkids came first.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to create a Ken Abney Memorial Scholarship fund. Please make checks payable to Jefferson County Go Texan, PO Box 307, Nome, TX 77629.
It was rare to see Ken without a ball cap. The family requests attendees of the service wear their favorite cap in his honor. A gathering of Mr. Abney’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at Broussard’s, with his interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- May 31, 2022
- 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Funeral Service
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- June 1, 2022
- 2:00 pm
Interment
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
- 4955, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
Carolyn, I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Abney’s death. He was an AWESOME teacher and person. He took his Ag students to heart.
He praised them when they did well, but eager to show them the correct way, if wrong. You and your family are in my THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ???????????????????????????????? RIP KEN ABNEY
Carolyn, I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Jo Anne Brackett Gruter (Strong Pipkin co-worker)
Carolyn, you and Ken are some of the nicest people we have ever known. I remember the best fish fry’s were at the Abney’s Barn, using rice mill to coat the fish with. Dale and I are so sorry for your loss.
So very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Family
Brent I am so sorry for y’all’s loss Ken was always very friendly too me and He will be missed. Have you and your family in my prayers
Ken carried on the family tradition of service to and involvement in the community. A fine man from a fine family………
So sorry to hear about Kens passing. The Abney family has always been very precious to me. Praying for God’s comfort and peace over you all. Donna Collins Rudd
I am fortunate to have been blessed with the privilege and opportunity to work alongside of this wise man. I appreciate the opportunity to be one of your teaching partners for the short time I was at HJ. Mr. Abney was were more than a teaching partner. He was a mentor, a listener, and advice giver. Many times I would walk up as he would be talking and he would look at me and I felt like I couldn’t leave and half the time I had to pretend I knew what he was talking about even though I had no clue. He and Mrs. Abney treated me like family. I will never forget your the times we shared. Rest in peace Sir and Thank you.
Dear Carolyn and family, I remember the good days
in high school and later at Sam Houston State Univ.
I remember when Donna and Sue were best of friends and would go to the beach together. Though we haven’t seen each other for a while you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Bobby
Our condolences to the Abney Family, God Bless you All. Wes Austin
Carolyn and family, So very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So sorry for your loss.
Prayers and hugs for Carolyn and Brent and the Abney family
Love
Lillian Kolander
Love and prayers for Carolyn and Brent,
Kay Abernathy
Carolyn, I am so so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He was a good man. I will never forget our days when our boys played baseball together. Those were some good times.
Condolences to the Abney family.
Carolyn, Brent and extended family.
I’m so sorry. I know you will miss him greatly. You are in my prayers.
Love Margo
I am so very sorry for your loss, he was always so kind. Hugs and prayers for the family
Carolyn, Brent, and Family, My heart is broken for the pain that y’all are having to endure. Please know that y’all are in my thoughts and prayers.