Mr Felder was Westchester's very first school principal
JOE KENNETH FELDER, age 78, of Houston passed away in the early morning hours of February 11, 2005. He was born September 19, 1926 to Joe and Mary Lottie Felder in Alto, Texas.
Ken grew up during the depression in the small East Texas Community of Alto, Texas where he met his childhood sweetheart and wife of 59 years, Ada Maxine Felder. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he returned back to Texas and graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelors Degree of Agriculture. Wanting to become a teacher, he enrolled at Stephen F. Austin University and graduated with a Masters degree in Education.
e immediately went to work for the Spring Branch Independent School District as a 2nd grade school teacher. In 1955, he became principal of the then new Pine Shadows Elementary School. The trees in front of the school today are the ones he planted fifty years ago. He later went on to become principal of Spring Branch Jr. High School in 1959, Landrum Jr. High School in 1962, Spring Branch Sr. High School in 1964 and Westchester Sr. High School in 1968. He retired from the Spring Branch Independent School District after 40 years as Superintendent of Curriculum.
Besides being an avid hunter and fisherman, he enjoyed working with wood and spent many pleasurable hours in his workshop. He also made it a point to teach both his sons how to work with their hands and the use of tools. His greatest joys in life were his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Maxine Felder; brother David Felder and wife Ruth of Hope, Arkansas; son Billy Joe Felder and wife Michele of Sugar Land; son John Marcus Felder and wife Kim of Houston; and three grandchildren who he adored, Kimberly Jo Felder, Faith Elizabeth Ellis and William Joseph Felder.
Visitation will be held Sunday, February 13, 2005 from the hours of 3:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. at the Memorial Oaks Cemetery & Funeral Home located at 13001 Katy Freeway in Houston, Texas. A graveside service will be held on the afternoon of February 15, 2005 at the Shiloh Cemetery located near Alto, Texas.
Published by Houston Chronicle from Feb. 12 to Feb. 13, 2005.
BIRTH
Alto, Cherokee County, Texas, USA
DEATH
11 Feb 2005 (aged 78) Houston, Harris County, Texas, USA
A 1971 graduate, Mr. Felder's determination to hire bright and inspiring instructors created a nurturing and creative high school, one of the best in the state at the time. Mr. Felder's influenced all his students and will be fondly remembered.
Philip Levin March 9, 2005
My deepest sympathies and condolences are exended to the Felder family for their loss. From a member of the first graduating class ('68) of Westchester High School.
Richard (Dick) Robeau February 20, 2005
Kenneth Felder created an environment during Westchester's first year that helped turn disenchantment into pride. My memories of the school and its principal will always be fond ones. So sorry for your loss.
Charlie Senning February 18, 2005
I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Felder's passing. I was part of the senior class of 1968, and I only have great memories of Mr. Felder's kind spirit.
Steve Neukom February 18, 2005
I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Felder. He was my principal at Pine Shadows that I left after 2nd grade and then was my principal the year Westchester opened. Most amazing was that he recognized me by name the first morning of school. I will never forget him.
Glenda Pendley Huett February 18, 2005
Sorry for your loose, my thoughts and prayers go out to the Felder family.
Kristy Miller February 16, 2005
Maxine,
We were saddened to hear about the loss of your husband. Kenneth Felder was a family legend, an icon of everything good about education.
God Bless, The O'Donnelly family February 14, 2005
As a 1970 graduate of Westchester, I wish to send my deepest and sincerest condolences to the Felder family. Our prayers go with you.
Michelle DeLuca-Price February 14, 2005
Bill,
Sorry for your loose, mine and my family prayers are with you at this time.
Freddy Flores February 13, 2005
To the family of Mr. Joe Kenneth Felder:
Please accept my sincere, heartfelt sympathy. Mr. Felder started a great school that was (and still is) so loved in the community. I wish I could have met him. He must have been a great man.
Pamela W. Butler
Director (1st principal)
Westchester Academy for International Studies (formally Westchester Senior High School)
Pamela Butler February 13, 2005
Our prayers go out to Mr. Felder's family. He helped make Westchester a memorable place.
~ Lesley (Harris) Meacham
Lesley Meacham February 13, 2005
Another fond Westchester memory...
Nancy Hur Powell February 13, 2005
As a 1973 graduate of Westchester, I send my note of sympathy and God's love and abundant grace to the Felder family at this time!
Jana Griffin Irwin February 12, 2005
Bill,
Sorry for your and your families loose. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Rusty Minchew February 12, 2005
Sincere condolensces from one of his '73 WHS graduates.
Susan Priest February 12, 2005
My fondest memories were working with Kenneth as Band director of Westchester High School, 69-73. He was truly dedicated to bringing out the best in the teachers and students, helping us achieve our lofty ambitions and goals.
John Hammerle Band Director February 12, 2005
We are grateful for Mr. Felder's dedication and selfless service to the many students he saw pass through his halls. His leadership, guidance, and respect were shining examples to those of us at Westchester High School. Our thanks and thoughts go out to his family who so generously shared him with us.
Alyson Grice February 12, 2005
The Westchester Alumni Association sends our deepest thoughts of sympathy to the family of our beloved first principal at Westchester High School.
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Mack McCormick (1970)
Gone 20 years this very day Principle Felder. I was only at Westchester my senior year, but I have fond memories of my time there. RIP