Pember

Kenneth Gary Pember, Sr., 72, of La Grange died Sunday, May 21, 2017, peacefully at his residence. Kenneth was born in Mesa, Ariz. on Aug. 29, 1944, the son of Charles Winston Pember, Sr. and Irma (Tryon) Pember. He married Nora Freitas on Sept. 16, 1978 in Hawaii. Kenneth spent his life with the military serving in the Marine Corps from 1965-1969 and the U.S. Army from 1974 to 1985. He served two tours in Vietnam serving in classified missions and Special Forces. He was also a POW. Kenneth was an avid outdoorsman enjoying fresh and salt water fishing and hunting. He was a train collector and a jewelry maker. He loved gardening. He was a member of the Church of the Latter Day Saints. Kenneth is survived by four daughters: Julia Petzold and husband, Gregory, of La Grange; Sarah Boethel and husband, Weldon, of La Grange; Cheryl Pember of Mesa, Ariz.; and Carmen Pember of New Jersey; three sons: Kenneth Pember, Jr. and wife, Sylvia, of Hobbs, N.M.; Eric Pember of Pennsylvania; and Robert Pember, of La Grange; two sisters: Denine Connolly and husband, Nolan, of Mesa, Ariz.; Jan Chapman and husband, Kent, of Mesa, Ariz.; two brothers: Keith Pember and wife, Sylvia, of Taylor, Ariz.; and Joseph Pember of Mesa, Ariz.; 20 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nora; two brothers: Charles Pember and JayLynn Pember; and an infant sister. Visitation was held on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 from 12 to 7 p.m. at Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home. The family was present from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at11 a.m. at Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home. Burial followed at the La Grange City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley or M.D. Anderson Cancer Research. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com . Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home in La Grange was in charge of arrangements.