K. K. Amini

K.K. Amini passed away on November 19, 2003 at the age of 82. He was born on April 23, 1921 in Khoy, Iran and immigrated to the United States in 1945. He put himself through the University of Kansas by working in a scholarship hall and graduated with a degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1949. A journalism student, Margaret Wenski, was assigned to interview him upon his arrival at KU, and they were married in 1948. Upon graduation and until 1961, K.K. worked for a series of oil companies and operators, most notably T.F. Hodge in Fort Worth, TX. In 1961, K.K. moved his family to Midland, TX and began his career as an independent oil operator. A brief stint in Houston in the early '70s was followed by a move to San Antonio in 1980 where Mr. Amini operated Sage Energy Company until 1990. He continued to reside in San Antonio until his death. As an independent oil and gas operator, from 1961 until 2003, Mr. Amini completed over 750 wells. Most of these were located in the Permian Basin of West Texas, Southeastern New Mexico and along the Texas Gulf Coast, but he also conducted operations in Oklahoma, North Dakota, Utah and California. During his career, he was responsible for discovering over 50 million gross barrels of oil equivalent in numerous fields. Entering the contract drilling business in 1976, he constructed and operated 18 rotary drilling rigs, and in 1990 his companies employed approximately 325 people. Mr. Amini's talents as an amateur architect and builder are demonstrated in numerous residences he designed and built over the years. But his true talent in this regard is uniquely represented by a 3500 acre property in his beloved Texas Hill Country which he simply called 'the Ranch.' Never having forgotten the institution which afforded him so many economic opportunities, Mr. Amini and his wife, Margaret, built two scholarship halls on the campus of the University of Kansas. Each year these facilities afford the opportunity for 50 young men and 50 young women to pursue college degrees. His other charitable endeavors were varied and numerous. Having become a United States citizen in 1952, Mr. Amini loved America and was intense in his defense of democracy. The passion he had for his country was surpassed only by his passion for his family. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Margaret; son, Rex Amini and wife Deborah; daughter, Sue Minor and husband Jesse; son, Ron Amini; son, Michael Amini and wife Molly; grandchildren, Ashley, Erin and Brooke Amini, Jennifer Schoenfeld and husband Chris, Matthew and Emily Minor, and Maggie, John and Marian Amini; two brothers, two sisters, numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service followed by a Reception will be held on Monday, November 24, 2003, 11:30 A.M., at University United Methodist Church, 5084 DeZavala, San Antonio, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all memorials go to The United Way. Further communication may be made through Porter Loring Mortuary North at www.porterloring.com. Porter Loring Mortuary.