Kenneth Charles Benfer was born in Bammel (Spring), Texas on July 24, 1935. He went home to be with his Lord in Heaven on November 25, 2025, at the age of 90. He would have celebrated his 66th wedding anniversary with Elaine on December 4, 2025.

Kenneth is survived by his loving wife Elaine, daughters and sons-in-law Judy and Bob Fulton, Joni Benfer, Jennifer and Karl Sagstetter and Jamie and Robert Pace. He is also survived by grandchildren: Jessica and Jacob Sagstetter, Paige, Peyton and Chance Pace. Sisters: Millie and Royce Lewis, Betty Grymes and sister-in-law Jean Wailes. Also, many nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends. He was preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Walter "Bubba" Grymes and Rodney Wailes.

He was born to Paul and Evelyn Theiss Benfer and grew up on the family farm, where he learned from his father and grandfather how to grow vegetables. They would sell their crops at the Airline Farmer's Market. Kenneth was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church-Klein. He was a direct descendant of founding members of the church Henry Benfer from his father's side and Jacob Theiss on his mother's side. He was baptized on August 25, 1935 and confirmed his faith on October 16, 1949 at Trinity. He attended Klein High School where he graduated in 1953. He served on Student Council, the newspaper and yearbook staff, FFA, choral club and was in the senior play.

In 1959, Kenneth married Elaine Froehlich at Salem Lutheran Church. They made their home in Klein, where they raised their four daughters. He farmed in the early years, eventually going to work as a foreman at Concrete Pipe and Products, later Hanson Concrete Pipe. Upon retirement, he and Elaine built a house where the original Froehlich homestead had been and lived in Rosehill, Texas.

In retirement, Kenneth enjoyed working in his garden. He could grow anything and gladly shared his crops with his family. Like his father, he carefully saved seeds year after year and had his own mini version of an heirloom seed repository. His tomatoes, okra and cucumbers were always eagerly anticipated. If anyone needed a gardening tip, he was the one to see. He also maintained their yard and flower beds by watering and mowing until his final days.

For years, he and Elaine enjoyed playing dominoes (88 and 42) with a large group of friends, then later at the Hockley Community Center. A potluck meal would be shared, then an afternoon of dominoes. They also enjoyed going to the grandchildren's sports meets.

Kenneth loved his German heritage and belonged to the Texas German Society. He enjoyed going to the Tomball German Festival and listening to polka music. He was also an authority on the history of the Klein community. He could recall the names of most of the early residents of Klein, where they lived and an anecdote or two about the family. He was proud that his family was among the original settlers and pleased that Benfer Elementary School was named after his family.

Dad was a strong, hard-working and devoted man who loved his family with all his heart. Being able to spend this past year with them, helping in small ways and sharing time with mom and dad, has been a blessing we will always hold close. He will be greatly missed.

Please note: Parking for funeral service will be on the lot off of Klein Church Road, due to other church events.