John Howard Kean

John “Howard” Kean, 88, of Abilene TX, passed away on April 15, 2023 in Abilene, TX.

Visitation will be at 5:00-7:00pm on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home located at 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene TX.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm, Thursday, April 20, 2023 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home with Dr. Jeff Reid of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, officiating.   Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park.  Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.                                                                    

Howard Kean was born in McCaulley, TX to William “Bill” Clayton Kean and Dessie Lorene Kean on July 10, 1934.  He went to school in McCaulley, TX and   graduated from McCaulley High School.  He married Julia Elizabeth Casbeer Watts on June 4, 1983 in Abilene, TX.

Howard started farming at a young age with his father.  After graduating from high school, he pursued a career as a policeman in Slaton, TX until his Dad’s declining health called him back home to farming until the death of his Dad.  Howard loved working the land as a farmer but it was difficult to make a living for his young family so Howard made the decision to continue his service to the community as a fireman in Abilene, TX.  He became a Senior Fireman and drove 5 years for the District Chief.  He was called out on every general alarm in the city at that time.  In 1969, he started working for Ford Motor Credit Corporation as an adjuster where he checked car dealer’s wholesale plan/inventory and made collections on past due accounts on car loans.  His love for the land led him to Abilene Christian University (ACU) where he was the Grounds Supervisor for 15 years.  After retiring from ACU, Howard started working at WIMSCO as Dyess Base Grounds Maintenance Manager and became Vice-President of WIMSCO where he oversaw production at five different military bases.  He traveled all over the state of Texas to the various military bases coordinating workloads, hiring personnel, planning and purchasing equipment for new contracts at military bases and inspecting grounds to meet contract specifications.  He retired a second time after 11 years with WIMSCO. 

Howard was a man of character.  He was personable and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.  When he traveled around on the backroads with and saw a person in need, he would always stop and help them.  He loved people but he loved his family dearly.  He was a kind and giving person.  He helped coach softball, track, and basketball for Special Olympics for four years and the Key City Challengers Softball team for six years.  He helped work in the Pioneer Drive Baptist Church Food Pantry and helped to deliver meals through Meals on Wheels.  

Howard Kean was preceded in death by his parents William and Dessie Kean; son Michael Howard Kean; brother Elwood Kean; sisters Peggy Joe Kean, Mary Ann Kean, Aileen Kilgo Gillis, Betty Graham, Jean Dawson, Sue Thibodeaux, Sarah Christy.   

Howard Kean is survived by his wife Judy Kean; his special son Clint Holden of Abilene; daughter, Terri McCormick and husband R.J. of Amity, AR; daughter, Kim Martin and husband Randy of Rotan; step-son, Lance Watts of Palestine; step-daughter, Dr. Juanell Isaac-Brown and husband Glen of Abilene; step-daughter, Terri Cantrell and husband Victor of Baird; grandchildren, Zachariah Morris and wife Shayla, Jeremiah Morris and wife Terry, Done’e Sharp and husband Shane, Daniel Watts, Donovan Lamar and wife Sarah, Elaina Isaac, Luke Miller, Sarah Terry and husband Toby; along with thirteen great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Randy Martin, Glen Brown, Victor Cantrell, Zachariah and Jeremiah Morris, Luke Miller, Bud and Darrell Darby.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Clint Holden and Bill Payne.

Memorials may be given to Meals on Wheels.