Kenneth Ross Nolan

HUNTSVILLE — Kenneth Ross Nolan, of Huntsville, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 10, 2012, at home with his loving family and friends surrounding him. During his lengthy battle with cancer, he became known as a warrior and as a hero.
Ken was born December 31, 1959, in Hearne, Texas, to Joe and Neva Nolan. He spent his childhood in Hallsville, Texas, graduating from Hallsville High School in 1978. He then completed his business degree at Kilgore College.
After college, Ken began his ministry in the youth camp industry. It was his passion. He went to work for Lakeview Baptist Assembly in Lone Star, Texas, in 1981. It was there that he met his wife, Sue. They were married on May 11, 1985. Ken was blessed with a son, Tyler, and a daughter, Lindsay.
While at Lone Star, Ken became a volunteer firefighter and an EMT. Along the way, Ken and Sue began to "adopt" college students and summer staffers. These students became a true part of the Nolan family. Ken became known as "Daddy Ken" and "Papa Nolan." In 1998, the family moved to Huntsville, Texas. Ken became a part of Forest Glen Christian Camp. He was revived and recharged every time he went to work. He loved the outdoors and nature. He loved to fish and hunt. He loved helping children discover nature and find happiness.
Ken was a member of University Heights Baptist Church, where he worked as leadership in the college department, and the family continued to "adopt" college students. He was also a deacon at UHBC, serving until his health prevented him.
Ken was preceded in death by his father, Joe M. Nolan.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Nolan of Huntsville; his son, Tyler Nolan, and his daughter, Lindsay Nolan, both of Huntsville. He is also survived by his mother, Neva Nolan of Sanger, Texas; his sister and brother-in-law, Ibraham and Geneva Zebaneh of Gilmer, Texas; his brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Andi Nolan of Sanger, Texas; and his stepmother, Clarise Nolan of Longview, Texas. Other survivors include, mother and father-in-law, Dan and Barbara Hill of Lone Star, Texas; brother-in-law and wife, Steve and Melissa Hill of Oak Ridge, Texas; along with two nephews and six nieces; and a multitude of "adopted"children.
Papa Nolan, you have fought the good fight. You have finished your race. You have kept the faith. Now there is in store for you the crown of righteousness, which the Lord has awarded you. As one good friend said, "You did it right the first time."
The family wishes to thank Thee Hospice of Huntsville for their care and compassion, especially Tammy, Leah and Jamie. We also would like to thank Dr. Greg McKeever and his staff of Huntsville Pediatric and Adult Medicine for all of his care and friendship during the years of Ken's cancer fight.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; Thee Hospice of Huntsville; or University Heights Baptist Church College Ministry, Forest Glen Christian Camp.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, 2012, at University Heights Baptist Church with Dr. Richard Rogers officiating. Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, March 15, 2012, at Snow Hill Cemetery in Daingerfield, Texas, with Bro. Rick Monds officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:30-7:30 p.m. today, March 13, 2012, at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville, Texas.
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