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Forest Park East Funeral Home | Forest Park East Cemetery obituary
21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598 | 281-332-3111

Ken Watanabe
September 7, 1920 - January 7, 2015

Visitation
Saturday, January 10, 2015 | 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Forest Park East Funeral Home
21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, Texaqs 77598
Driving Directions

Funeral Service
Saturday, January 10, 2015 | 3:00 p.m.
Forest Park East Funeral Home
21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, Texas 77598
Driving Directions

Ken Watanabe passed away January 7th in Webster, Texas. Affectionately known as "Daddy Ken" to his grandchildren and church family, he is remembered as a man of integrity with a gentle spirit and loving heart. 
Ken was born September 7, 1920, to Toyozo and Kisayo Watanabe in Webster, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 35 years – Helen Viola Watanabe, two grandsons, and three of his sisters. He is survived by his children – Anita & Sidney Vaughn, Larry & Gladys Mayes, Trisha & William Whittington, brother Richard Watanabe, sister Alice Watanabe, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Daddy Ken grew up in Webster and helped his parents with their farming. They grew rice and later added cotton to their crops. Ken attended Texas A&M and studied architecture. His schooling was interrupted during his junior year as WWII escalated. He returned to help run the family farm in Webster and added vegetables to their crops. He began working at Kroger's, advancing to the Produce Manager position and retired after 25 years there. He continued farming, selling his vegetables to Kroger's even after his retirement. When he was no longer able to farm on a grand scale, he still found ways to grow vegetables for himself and his family. 
Ken was known to enjoy a good game of 42 with his buddies from Main Street. They continued meeting once a week to play until 2010. He also excelled at horse shoes, washers, and various card games – especially Spades. His love of games was only surpassed by his love of fishing, camping, and being outdoors. He was able to go fishing as recently as last year with his oldest grandson, Terry Vaughn and wife Cathy.
He was a lifelong member of Main Street Church of Christ in South Houston which became known as New Beginnings Church when it moved to Clear Lake. He spent the past few years in assisted living facilities. All the staff and residents loved him wherever he was. He was known for being a gentleman and was highly respected by all who met him. He will be sadly missed but will never be forgotten

Visitation will be at Forest Park East (21260 Gulf Frwy, Webster, TX) 1:30 – 3:00pm on Saturday, January 10, 2015. The celebration of his life will be at 3:00pm in the Forest Park East Chapel. A private interment will take place on Monday, January 12, 2015.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorials may be made to Namikango Mission, P.O. Box 21, South Houston, TX 77587.