Kenneth Dale Stavinoha of Houston, Texas, passed away and went to be with the Lord on September 21, 2019, at the age of 36. He was born April 13, 1983, in Houston, Texas.

Kenneth graduated from Scarborough High School in Houston in 2002. After high school, Kenneth did not have the opportunity to attend college. His first job was at Wendy's, where he was recognized for best customer service. Everyone loved Ken. One day, Ken was working at Wendy's and he met Lawrence Mejia at the drive-through. Lawrence offered Ken a job at Page/International Communications, a printing company. Ken began working at Page/International in 2000. Little did Ken know that this was just the start of his life's journey. He always took pride in everything he did. Ken loved his job and kept moving up in the company. Besides Ken's excellent work ethic, he had many qualities. He loved cars. His passion for cars was amazing. While Ken did not attend college, God blessed him with the knowledge and understanding of how to repair cars and other things. He was a handyman. He loved fixing things himself. He often said, "If you want things right, do it yourself." He was so meticulous and detailed-oriented. Ken never stopped until a project was right and finished. Besides his gifts with cars, Ken enjoyed many hobbies, including surfing, fishing, hunting and, of course, racing.

Ken met Jessica his wife in 2005 working at Page/International Communications. They married in August 2012. They shared a life together and enjoyed fishing, racing and cruising around with his 1997 Toyota Supra. They often hung out at the Supra Club with friends. Ken loved to help people and he was one of the strongest and tallest men most of us ever met. Some were intimidated by Ken's tough shell, but all who ever got to truly know Ken knew he was one-of-a-kind. And he was a good soul.

In 2016, Page/International Communications closed its doors to employees due to financial difficulties, and Ken lost his job. Sacrifices were made so he could have a brighter professional future. It would not be possible without the help and love of Jessica who was always there for him to help. Ken worked hard for everything he had. He even sold his favorite car, the Toyota Supra, which helped him become a fire fighter. Ken started HCC basic fire fighter academy in 2016. It was a tough course, but he made it through, as he always was an achiever. He finished basic fire fighter and continued with EMT school. Ken and Jessica enrolled in EMT school together to help each other. Ken completed and passed all certification required to start his journey as a fire fighter. He applied to HFD and he was qualified, he passed all the requirements, and enrolled in the HFD Fire Academy in March 2018. His first HFD station was Station 19 where he met his first crew. After his probationary period, Ken was assigned to Station 27-A Shift. Ken was so proud to be a firefighter. He loved his job until the end. He always gave the best of himself. He will be truly missed.

The public is invited to a visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25, at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., Houston 77002, with a vigil to begin at 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the same location at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2019. A private committal service will follow.

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