PACE

STEVE K PACE, age 97, of Spring, TX, passed peacefully on Friday, July 25, 2025. He was born May 9, 1928, in Ennis, TX, the son of the late Steve K Pace, Sr. and Lillie Mae Pace.

Raised in Ennis until his mother passed away when he was 9, Steve K moved to Houston and later attended Stephen F. Austin High School. He was a letterman on the University of Houston varsity tennis team and graduated in 1949 with a Bachelor in Business Administration. Afterwards, Steve K served as a corporal in the U.S. Army, deploying to the Korean peninsula with the 40th Infantry Division in the Korean War.

While he was a skillful competitor in various physical sports, his favorite hobby was duplicate bridge where he earned the title of Silver Life Master in the American Contract Bridge League.

Steve's K's career spanned more than 50 years. He began working part-time in the mail room of the Houston Chronicle at the age of 15, eventually retiring as a full-time supervisor. During that period, Steve K also worked in the finance department of Allen-Parker Company in Houston for over 25 years until its dissolution following the death of its owner and CEO.

In 1962, he married the love of his life, Betty Jean Barnett, whom he met at a methodist church coffee club that played bridge. Their passion for playing bridge together continued throughout the years.  Whether they were playing every week in their various bridge groups, or teaching their family how to play the game they loved, it has always been an important part of their life that brought them much joy.  Together, they raised three sons in Houston. Steve K enthusiastically supported his children and grandchildren, especially in sports where he always provided encouragement and thoughtful advice. If he could not attend an event, he'd say "I am with you in spirit.", which was never doubted. Above everything, except for his faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ, he dedicated his life to caring for his family, consistently working long overtime hours to provide for them.

Steve K was preceded in death by his parents, half-brother, Nelson Allen, and sisters, Helen Cook and Winnie Mae Hanes. Steve is survived by his wife, Betty, sons Steve Krohne Pace and wife Linda, Brent Pace and wife Melanie, Robert Pace and wife Jamie, grandchildren Rosanna Roberson & husband Clint, Steve B. Pace, Kaitlyn Pace & husband Chris, Travis Pace, Paige Pace, Peyton Pace, Chance Pace and other relatives. The family is grateful for the assistance provided by Vantage Hospice and his many caregivers, with special thanks to Chris for his care and concern.

Visitation will be held 5-7 PM on Sunday, August 3rd at the Klein Funeral Home at 16131 Champion Forest Drive, Spring, TX 77379 Dr. Funeral services will be held Monday, August 4th at 11:30 AM, at the same location.