Kenneth Jastrow

Kenneth Michael Jastrow died in peace July 3, 2010, surrounded by the love of his family. Kenny Jastrow was born September 9, 1922, to parents, William and Mary Jastrow. He was the youngest of four children. His parents and brothers (Arthur, Ray, and Bill) preceded him in death. Jastrow grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota and attended Cretin High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball. Jastrow was all-conference, all-city, all-state, and a member of Cretin High School's Athletic Hall of Fame. After graduating from high school in 1941, Jastrow entered St. Thomas College, St. Paul, Minnesota. Four months after entering college, America's Naval Base at Pearl Harbor was attacked December 7, 1941. In order to help his country, Jastrow put his formal education on hold to enlist in the Army, January, 1942. He was stationed at Fort Frances E. Warren, Cheyenne, Wyoming. While at Fort Warren, Jastrow met the love of his life, June Elaine Maxwell. It was truly love at first sight. Kenny and Elaine were married in Denver, Colorado, April 4, 1945, and raised three children: Kenny II, Terry, and Nancy. After proudly serving four years in the U.S. Army, Jastrow was honorably discharged, February, 1946. Prior to leaving Fort Warren, Jastrow received a letter from the Base Commanding Officer and his mentor, Brigadier General H. L Whittaker. General Whittaker strongly advised Jastrow to pursue his college education by stating: "So, my advice for you is to weigh very carefully the advantages of education for the future as against immediate financial gain received from a job in civil life." Jastrow followed General Whittaker's advice and ultimately moved to Colorado to attend the University of Denver. During his time at the University of Denver, Jastrow played basketball and baseball and was named all-conference in both sports, 1947-1948. He was named outstanding young player, National AAU Basketball Tournament and honorable mention, all-American, AAU Basketball, 1948. In addition, Jastrow received the very prestigious Robert Russell Outstanding Amateur Athlete Award for the Northwest Region of the United States. Kenny Jastrow was a great athlete-"A fiery competitor who hated to lose." Upon graduation from the University of Denver, 1948, with a degree in business, the Jastrow's moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to work for Phillips Petroleum Company, and play basketball for the "Sixty Sixers". Jastrow's employment with Phillips was the beginning of a long-term, successful career in the oil and gas industry. In 1951, Phillips transferred Kenny and Elaine to Midland, Texas, to oversee construction of a crude oil pipeline from the Sprayberry Field in Midland County to the Phillips Refinery in Borger, Texas. After work on the pipeline project was completed, Jastrow was transferred to the Land Department, and ultimately became Division Land Man for West Texas. In 1962, Jastrow left Phillips and was associated with Mesa Pipeline. However, in 1963, Jastrow ventured out on his own to become an independent land man. Kenny Jastrow was a consistent proponent of the oil and gas business, and a recognized industry leader in West Texas. Kenny Jastrow was a true civic leader for the City of Midland. His involvement and leadership enabled Midland to grow and prosper and become an outstanding community. Jastrow served as Chairman of the Board of Governors-Midland Memorial Hospital, l984-1992; President of the Chamber of Commerce-1974; Chairman of the United Way Drive-1969; and he served on the original Board of Directors of the Petroleum Museum. Jastrow has received many awards for his community service including: AAPL-Distinguished Service Award; People of Midland Distinguished Service Award; Optimist Club Friend of the Boy Award; and Key to the City Award. In addition to his civic leadership, Kenny Jastrow has been instrumental and very effective in raising funds for many entities in Midland, especially the Hospital, Allison Cancer Center, Hospice of Midland, and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. His philanthropic activities are legendary, and Kenny Jastrow has truly made a significant positive contribution to Midland. Kenny and Elaine Jastrow have been life-long and very active Episcopalians. Both shared a deep faith and now have rejoined together for life everlasting. The Jastrow's gave a stained glass window to Trinity Church symbolizing a helping hand which is truly the way they lived their lives. Kenny was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine, who died in 2000. They loved each other every day and were married for 55 years. Kenny and Elaine Jastrow never met a stranger, and they were friends to every person who knew them. Jastrow is survived by their three children and their spouses: Kenny, II and Susie Jastrow (Round Mountain, TX); Terry and Anne Jastrow (Los Angeles, CA); and Nancy and Hank Arnold (Port Aransas, TX). Jastrow also has six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Grandchildren: Marty McCartt and her husband J.; Dr. Kenny Jastrow, III and his wife, Kendal; Corby Jastrow and his wife, Stephanie; Jeff Jastrow; Tommy Davis and his wife, Jessica; and Sean McKinney. Great grandchildren: Susie and Elle McCartt; Korbin and Kash Jastrow; and Kennedy and Claire Jastrow. The family would like to thank Dr. David Watkins, Hospice of Midland, and all the home health caregivers for their constant and professional help and support. Memorial services are scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Saturday, July 10, 2010, the Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity, Midland, Texas. Honorary pallbearers are: Jim Alsup, R. C. Banks, Grant Billingsly, Dr. Norman Fee, Bob Garst, Joe Gifford, Arden Grover, Bill Hickey, Paul Morris, Bill Rutter, Charles Teighe, and Jastrow's basketball teammates from the University of Denver. Contributions can be made to Midland Memorial Hospital or Hospice of Midland. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com. Midland has never had a finer citizen, and no family has ever had a better husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Rest in peace, Dad. We all love you dearly.