Kenneth Ray Laird

Born March 8, 1931 in Houston, TX. Died July 11, 2019.

Preceded in death by parents, John H. Laird and Brooksie Lee Cannon Laird.

Survived by wife of 66 years, Mary Louise Sorrell Laird; his brothers Travis Wayne Laird and wife Linda and James Thomas Laird and wife Teina; his children Kenneth R. Laird Jr. and wife Susan, John Michael Laird and wife Holly, Connie Marie Laird Hogan and husband Ken, and Rick Lee Laird and wife Donna; his grandchildren Lindsey Hogan, Charles Laird, Cody Laird, Cory Laird, Jon Laird, Jessica Laird Vrana, Lauren Laird, Kendall Ann Hogan Adair, Blake Laird, McKenna Laird, and John McEuen; and many extended family members.

Born March 8, 1931 in Houston, TX to parents, John H. Laird and Brooksie Lee Cannon Laird. The family lived in the Polk County during the Great Depression. His mother and dad were school teachers and principals in the local schools at Ace, Schwab City, and Livingston.

Ken attended Jeff Davis High School and Lindale Baptist Church and met the love of his life, Mary Louise Sorrell. They were married in Lindale Baptist Church on August 22, 1953. Both graduated from University of Houston and began careers teaching and coaching in the Houston Independent School District. Ken served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956 before bringing his young family back to Houston where he continued to teach school and coach. He became Principal at C.E. King High School and Assistant Principal at Klein High School, where his children also attended. He later opened Strack Intermediate School as its first principal. Ken finished his career as Principal of Klein High School in 1989.

Ken's memory will live on in the hearts and minds of his children and grandchildren, who are inspired to carry on the traditions he created from the many family vacations and gatherings.