James Kenneth Roach

James Kenneth Roach, 86, of Katy, TX, passed away Monday, January 10, 2022.

Kenneth was born on February 13, 1935, in Mount Pleasant, TX, to the late James Bedford Roach and Ruby Smith Roach. He spent his early childhood living in Mt. Pleasant, Tyler, Dallas, TX, and San Diego, CA. When he was in 6th grade, his family moved to Quinlan, TX and lived at the Boles Children's Home where his mother was employed. He attended Abilene Christian College from 1954-1958, where he earned a Bachelors in English. While a student at ACC, he met the love of his life, Anita Crowson. Kenneth and Anita married on May 26, 1959 at the Hillcrest Church of Christ in Abilene, TX. After their marriage, they moved to Taft, TX where Kenneth taught high school English. During 1959-1960, Kenneth completed a Masters in Library Science from the University of Texas. He later obtained his Doctorate in Higher Education and Administration from the University of North Texas in Denton. His love of learning and knowledge served him well in his career as a librarian at Howard County Jr. College, Texas Women's University, Dallas Public Library, Abilene Christian University, and Lee College.

Throughout their 62 years of marriage, Kenneth and Anita lived and served in various communities and congregations in Big Spring, Denton, Abilene, Baytown, and Katy, TX. He was a faithful member of the Church of Christ and served as an elder at the Missouri Street Church of Christ in Baytown, TX. His most recent membership was at the Cinco Ranch Church of Christ in Katy, TX. Kenneth loved music and singing and had a beautiful Irish tenor voice. He enjoyed leading singing at church and performing in various musical productions. He also enjoyed singing with family and friends. A highlight for Kenneth and Anita was singing together with The Baytown Community Chorus at Carnegie Hall. Kenneth had a deep and abiding love for his family, and those memories will always be cherished.

Kenneth is survived by his loving wife, Anita Roach; children, David Roach and wife Becky, Danny Roach and wife Jackie, Dale Roach and wife Allison, Susan Roach Rickard, Pat Roach and wife Tess, Mike Roach, Don Roach and wife Christine, Jeannie Roach Kees and husband Ryan; brother, Jack Roach and wife Betty; 16 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family and dear friends.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, James Bedford and Ruby Lee Smith Roach; brothers, Carl Roach, James Billy Roach; sisters, Ruth Roach McCauley, Mary Blanche Roach Cain, Noma Roach Bailey; son-in-law, David Glenn Rickard; and granddaughter, Lauren Elise Roach Hawthorne.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 2:00 PM at the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 US HWY 277 S., Abilene, TX, 79606. Interment will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM prior to the service at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Arms of Hope-Boles Campus (7065 Love, Quinlan, TX 75474, 903.224.4900)

Lauren Elise Roach Hawthorne Memorial Scholarship (Lubbock Christian University, Office of Advancement, 5601 19th St., Lubbock, TX 79407, 806.720.7234),

David Glenn Rickard Memorial Scholarship (Gift Records, Abilene Christian University, Box 29132, Abilene, TX 79699, http://www.acu.edu/giveonline with name of designated scholarship).