Royal
KENNETH WRIGHT ROYAL , 84, passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his wife Jeanie on February 10, 2011. Kenneth was born in Pleasanton, Texas on August 6, 1926. He graduated from Pleasanton High School and proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He graduated from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas in 1949 with a bachelor's degree and received a Masters of Education from Southwest Texas State in 1952.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife, Alice of 57 years; son, Kenny Alan Royal; brother, Robert Royal; and his parents. He is survived by his wife, Jeanie Royal of 8 years; son, William Royal and wife Kelley; daughter, Carole Pritchett and husband Richard; 5 grandchildren, Mark Royal, Stefen Royal, Krysta Forte and husband David, Sarah Royal, and Andrew Royal; 3 great-grandchildren, Dalton Royal, Emma Kay Royal, and Stephen Forte; brother, Charles Royal and wife Mary; brother, Dudley Royal and wife Jean; sister, Jane Culp and husband Hilton and sister Caroline Nicol; numerous nieces and nephews; 4 step-children; 10 step-grandchildren; and 1 step great-granddaughter.
Kenneth's accomplishments in life are nothing short of remarkable and these are but a few. He is a past principal of Clear Lake Elementary and James Bay Elementary; he gave 48 years of his life to education; there is a park, school library and street named in his honor; he is a life member of TSTA, NEA, and TEPSA; past president of CCAC PTA, Regional VP, Region 11 President, served on the State Board; life member of State and National PTA; member of the Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department (served as President, Vice-President and Chaplain) for 56 years; past Cub Scout leader of Pack 95 and Scoutmaster of Troop 95 and has served as District Commissioner; life member of the Clear Lake Masonic Lodge #1417, A.F. and A.M.; past patron of Seabrook O.E.S. #1096; received Golden Trowel Award for the Grand Lodge of Texas; member of Seabrook United Methodist Church and head of Ushers and Lay Readers; and Seabrook Association Citizen of the Year in 1985. He received numerous awards and special certificates for various associations and lives he has touched.
Kenneth was a kind and loyal man who loved to help people, while asking nothing in return. He was blessed with many dear friends and family whom he cherished. He was especially devoted to his service to Seabrook United Methodist Church where his circle of friends grew ten-fold. Our sorrow is lessened by the memory of his quick smile and commitment to those in need.
The Memorial Service in his honor will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2011, at 1:00 pm at Seabrook United Methodist Church. There will be a visitation on Friday, February 18 from 6:00 -8:00 pm at Forest Park East Funeral Home, 21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, TX, 77598. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Seabrook United Methodist Church, In Memory of Kenneth Royal, 3300 Lakeside Drive, Seabrook, TX 77586. A special thanks goes out to the St. Lukes Heart Transplant Center to Dr. Bogaev, assistants Linda and Bambi, and the entire staff. Our lives were so enriched through their love, caring, and devotion for our loved one.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Feb. 17, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Royal

33 Entries

March 10, 2011

To the Royal family,
Our deepest concolences. We moved to CLC in the cold Jan. of 1966. Halfway through a school year was scary for a 2nd and 3rd grader as myself and older brother were at the time. Mr. Royal learned our names from day one and never forgot to call to us by name. I think he knew every student's name and family. He was terrific at remembering names. He was engaging with the many activities at CLC elementary. I have fond memories of "Go Texan" and "fair" days. He put so much energy into the end of the year field days, and the bicycle awareness days. We as a family still talk about Mr. Royal today--40+ years ago. God Bless you Mr. Royal and God Bless your family.

The Byers Family

Diane Cook-Meyers

February 21, 2011

Mr.Royal will be very missed. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.

Jan Millican Fountain

February 21, 2011

I worked for Kenneth Royal for sixteen years at Clear Lake City Elementary. During that time I considered him a friend and supporter. He always had a smile and a word of encouragement. Although he had an MBA, the school was more family oriented and less business oriented. He loved the students and worked hard to make sure the school environment was conducive to their development. He helped me succeed in my teaching career and was a wonderful role model as a caring and giving individual. What an amazing man, he will be missed.

Beth Winsor-Rogers

February 20, 2011

Mr. Royal...the man who came to my house every Christmas Eve dressed as Santa...and then danced with me at my wedding many years later will be terribly missed. He was more than just my former principal...he was family.

Kristi Fowler

February 19, 2011

Jeannie and family, Mr. Royal will be missed tremendsouly. Both at church and around the community. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Peggy Machol-Bassett

February 19, 2011

My thoughts and prayers for Mr. Royal's family. I remember him from the Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department when I volunteered with the Clear Lake Emergency Medical Corps. I remember Mrs. Royal running a very tight ship as the librarian at Seabrook Elementary.

Ray Cook

February 19, 2011

Today, we celebrated his memory, let us also make a resolution and commitment to one another and ourselves: Let us pause and pay tribute to everything he stood for and hold him up as an example and commit how we should live our own lives with integrity, compassion, sacrifice, valor, courage and love.

Peggy (DeMarais)Posey

February 19, 2011

Kenneth hired me sight unseen in May of 1966. I still remember speaking to him from a phone booth in my dorm.(I know many will not even know what that is) What a wonderful man and boss. I had a great time at Clear Lake City Elementary for the four years I taught there. He taught me so much and was so kind. I will miss him. My prayers go out to his family.

Rosemarie (Menard) Shannon

February 18, 2011

I had the privilege of being in the first 5th grade class the first year Mr. Royal came to Seabrook. He was a wonderful teacher! I also had the honor of attending the same church until I married & moved away. He was truly a great person who always willingly served when needed. God bless him & his family.

Patsy McCormick Davis

February 18, 2011

Mr. Royal taught me in 5th grade at what would become Bay Elementary.
This would be about 1953.
As an adult I was fortunate to be able to introduce him and Alice to my husband. Everyone loved Mr. Royal!

Matt Parker

February 17, 2011

Mr. Royal was the principal of Clear Lake Elementary School when I was a student there. He was a great guy and he always treated everyone with respect. My mother was also a teacher at Clear Lake Elementary at this time (and for many years after I moved onto Intermediate School) and she always talked about how great of a guy he is. You will be missed Kenneth Royal.

Ellen Latimer

February 17, 2011

Mr. Royal hired me to teach 5th grade at Clear Lake Elementary back in 1988, which began my wonderful connection with the CLCE family. His belief in doing what was right and best for the children showed itself all over the school. The community and the school are better for having had Mr. Royal.

Todd Bailey

February 17, 2011

I started kindergarten at CLCE in 1967 with Mr. Royal as Principal. To a young boy, he looked to be eight feet tall but was basically a gentle giant. He just had the respect of students, teachers and the parents for his skills in dealing with people and running a school as smoothly as he did. Doubt anyone will ever find anybody with anything negative to say about this outstanding man. The world is a little bleaker today with his passing.

February 17, 2011

I was in the third grade when I first met the Royals. They both in turn taught me in the fourth and fifth grades. They were stricket but fare teachers. About10 years ago I went back to visit them and found both of them to be delightful people. Lynn Larrabee Hamilton

Carol LeSaicherre

February 17, 2011

Mr.Royal, you were a very special person to me. You hired me to teach at CLCE! I remember that you even spent an evening painting my new classroom for me and the students!!! You were an awesome person to know and work for. You will be missed very much!!!!!!

Sarah Sweeney

February 17, 2011

I am so saddened to hear of Mr. Royal's death. I worked as a classroom teacher and as a remedial reading teacher for several years at Clear Lake City Elementary. Ken always found time to talk to me if I had requests or concerns, even when I know he was "snowed under" with all his administrative duties. His sense of humor always helped me make light of things that sometimes seemed very serious - including when I, dressed in white pants, fell into newly poured cement steps in front of my portable building! I was expecting more consolation from him when I asked for permission to go home and change my clothes and was a little peeved when he started laughing hysterically. Finally I had to join in with him - I'm sure I was quite a sight!
Mr. Royal loved the students, teachers and parents. He worked tirelessly to make our school the best it could be. I truly have missed him since I have moved to WA State. Our world has lost a great educator - but rest assured, he will never be forgotten!

Carrie

February 17, 2011

So sorry to hear about Mr. Royal. He was my Clear Lake Elementary Principal in the 80s. I use to love it when he would play the "Houston Oilers" song after a win. It felt so fun that the head of the school would do something so neat over the intercom. I have no doubt that he touched the lives of many children and we are all better people for it.

Coleen Lenhart

February 17, 2011

Thank you Kenneth for serving our country and being a true American hero. I appreciate your sacrifice. May you rest in peace and God comfort the family and friends during this time of sorrow.

Suze ,Warren, and Mirriah Benson

February 17, 2011

You need only to read all of the glowing confirmations here to know that Kenneth Royal was not the average man. I have seen Ken in action and known him for the past 10 years that we have been members of Seabrook United Methodist Church. Many have known him longer , but you really need to have only to have known him a short while to see his true character. ALWAYS smiling, friendly, and helping. What he has accomplished in his career choices and life speaks volumes to his spirit and nature of this "service to others" oriented man. Kenneth Royal is without a doubt a good and faithful servant of Jesus Christ. We wish you well on your next life adventure Ken! You will be greatly missed here. We pray God's peace upon your family in this time of their great loss, and that their special memories of you comfort them.

Ted

February 17, 2011

You were my most inspirational person in elementary school. Your ethics are something I still cherish today and choose to follow quite closely. Thanks for the greatness!

Kris Norbraten

February 17, 2011

My wonderful memory of Mr. Royal is one day in fifth grade (1985) when I forgot my seizure medication before going to school (Clear Lake City Elementary). As no one was home to deliver it to school, Mr. Royal, the head honcho, drove me to my house so I could pick it up. At age ten I felt so humbled yet so important that he would do such a thing for me. That is a real principal and a real human. I will keep that memory forever.
(Kris L. Norbraten, Boulder, CO)

February 17, 2011

We will miss you Mr. Royal. You were a great friend to our family in school and out.
-The Meyn Family

Brett Norbraten

February 16, 2011

From a CLCE alumnus (1979-1982), my condolences to the friends and family of this superlative educator. Just know that he positively impacted the lives of thousands and thousands of young students.

February 16, 2011

Where do I start? Mr. Royal was my principal when I was in 6th grade in 1966. I tutored at CLCE in my senior year in High School (1972-1973), and was hired to teach at CLCE in 1977. I taught under him for nine years, then moved on. My wife has been teaching at CLCE since 1981, and all four of my children attend school there. I always get a very good feeling when I see the Kenneth Royal Library at CLCE, and when I am in Seabrook and pass Kenneth Royal Drive.
He loved children, and would do anything to help anyone that needed help.
He inspired me to be a better man.

Sharon Caine Oertli

February 16, 2011

Kenneth Royal played multiple roles in my life. When my family came to Seabrook, Mr. Royal was my fifth grade teacher and the first man teacher that I had. It was a unique classroom experience in that when the Seabrook Fire Alarm sounded, Mr. Royal left the building, raced down the street and manned a fire engine. He was involved with MYF and VBS at the Seabrook Methodist Church and supervised many activities. His son, Kenny, was the same age as I was and we were friends throughout his life. The Royal family were patrons of my parents' business and we all lived in the same neighborhood. The largest and most influential role Mr. Royal played in my life was as my first boss" or principal at Clear Lake City Elementary. As a principal, he helped shape professional techniques and behaviors and provided the guidance needed for beginning teachers. He had a profound influence on the lives of many.

Bill/Marie McGuire

February 16, 2011

We were so saddened by the passing of Ken. My husband and I knew Ken from the Seabrook Fire Dept. Ken would sure let you know if something was not right. He was all for training and education. May you RIP Ken. Prayers are with the Royal family.

Teresa Morant

February 15, 2011

Mrs. Royal - It was an honor to assist your family during this very difficult time. Mr. Royal accomplished so many things. I have no doubt he will be dearly missed by everyone. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Teresa Morant
Forest Park East

February 14, 2011

Kenneth Royal, a wonderful, caring person. As a boss he always made you want to do your best and then some. He always allowed you to be as creative as you wanted to be if he could see that the students would benefit. He was an honorable man that cared for his students and teachers. Knowing that my family was far from Texas, he and Alice made sure they were present when my first born arrived into this world. There was flooding all around and late at night, but they were there. We will miss him. Charlotte Hartley

Virginia Wright - Hahn

February 14, 2011

Mr. Royal came to teach @ Bay when I was in the 5th grade. A wonderful mentor & teacher in a gentler time. I'll long remember his encouraging ways.
Virginia Wright Hahn

Ray Elam

February 12, 2011

My brother Frank and I were educated by Kenneth Royal in school and in scouts as our teacher and scout master. When I notified my brother of Mr. Royal's passing, he said, "Our honorary, honorable Surrogate Father."

Gary Blake

February 12, 2011

I was just in the 2nd grade when he left, but I have fond memories of him playing the Houston Oiler's fight song every time they won. I'm thankful he was my principal.

February 12, 2011

Kennneth Royal, a true giant and icon in the Clear Creek ISD, was also a warm, friendly, and gracious man. We will miss him and send our love to his family. Claudia and Ralph Parr

Janet & Steve Sherwood

February 11, 2011

We'll always remember Mr. Royal, a long-time educator in Seabrook/Clear Lake. When Mr. Bay was principal in Seabrook, he taught PE there. When Clear Lake Elementary was built, he served there many years. Later he came back to Seabrook, now Bay Elementary, and retired from there. The road in front of the school is named for him. He became one of those "from Seabrook" who raised his children there, went to church there and even owned a home in Miramar adjacent to school property.

His kids were our friends. His peers, my Dad and his confederates. He was a leader and mentor. He is gone. We are less.

We must become more in memory and appreciation of those who go before, in the need of those who follow behind.

Bill and Carole, though I haven't seen you in years, I grieve with you at this separation from your father. Steve and I are praying for you.

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