Kenneth "Kenny" Kleypas

Kenneth Ray Kleypas quotKennyquot, of 5745 Jade Avenue in Port Acres, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2011 after accidentally slipping and drowning near his boat in Port Acres, TX. Kenny was born in Temple, TX on August 18, 1948, the first of seven children of A.C. quotDickquot and Shirley Kleypas. He graduated from Bishop Byrne High School in 1967 and attended Lamar University. His high school motto was quotHe39ll do anything once, sometimes twicequot which so colorfully described his freespirit philosophy. He served in the U.S. National Guard Company C between 1969 and 1975, and worked at the Mobile Oil Refinery in Port Neches, TX.Kenny lived his passion for boats and fishing. He lived on his 48 ft Hatteras yacht, the quotFish Talesquot in Port Acres for the last ten years. He was a certified boat captain, and once won the SALT fishing Tournament. He twice weathered his vessel through major storms, Hurricanes Rita and Ike, and enjoyed many fishing adventures prior to that. He was a meticulous craftsman, but he was also a great cook and storyteller. He generously shared many stories and a lot of his seafood with his friends and family.He is survived by two daughters, Kimberley Kleypas, and Desiree Montie, a grandchild Christian Beavers, his mother Shirley Kleypas, brothers and sisters Kay Mason, Ricky and Theresa Kleypas, Yvonne Kleypas, Joanie Kleypas, Lori and Patrick Plott, and Michael and Jynatha Kleypas. Kenny is remembered for his big smile, his artistic ability and craftsmanship, his love of the Gulf, but mainly for his generosity and compassion for friends and animals. A gathering of Family and Friends will be from 5:00pm7:00pm with a Memorial Service beginning at 6:00pm at Melancon39s Funeral Home 1605 Avenue H in Nederland. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Animal Shelter of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Ave., Beaumont, TX 77705.