Kenneth Franklin Green

Kenneth Franklin Green June 23, 1933 – September 10, 2024

Kenneth Franklin Green, 91, of Garden Ridge, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2024. Born in Bauxite, Arkansas, in 1933 to Howell and Marie Green, Ken was a man of resilience and integrity—qualities shaped by his upbringing and honed by a lifetime commitment to Jesus Christ.

After graduating from Bauxite High School in 1951, Ken enrolled at the University of Arkansas, working summers as a laboratory technician at Reynolds Aluminum to pay his tuition. In 1955, Ken graduated cum laude with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and was a member of the esteemed engineering fraternity, Tau Beta Pi. During college, Ken met the love of his life, Jo Hatfield, and the two married in December 1955, embarking upon a lifelong partnership and adventure.

In 1956, Ken joined Shell Corporation as a Professional Engineer. After a three-year military leave of absence to serve in the U.S. Air Force, Ken attained the rank of Captain and then returned to Shell. A gifted engineer, he worked on several notable projects, including the Bullwinkle Oil Platform in the Gulf of Mexico and the Cortez CO2 Pipeline. Ken’s distinguished 34-year career with Shell took him around the world, including the Netherlands, England, and Brazil.

Ken was deeply devoted to his family. He and Jo raised three children—Michael, Eric, and Lea—and he was always present for them, despite his busy career. In retirement, Ken enjoyed playing golf, traveling with Jo, attending church and Sunday School, and spending time with his grandchildren, whom he adored. A man who loved a good joke, Ken would often begin conversations with “tell me a good story,” knowing he had one to fill the space if you didn’t. His storytelling, wit, and love for his family were evident in every aspect of his life.

Ken is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Jo; his sister, Carolyn Parker; his children, Michael, Eric, and Lea; many nieces and nephews, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He leaves behind an indelible legacy of love, strength, and dedication, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.