B. Kenneth Eaves

B. Kenneth Eaves was born May 24, 1924 in Hondo, TX and died May 19, 2015 in Shreveport, LA. He is predeceased by his daughter Elizabeth Eaves, his parents Isaac and Olga Eaves, brother Wendall Eaves, sister Warnetta Eaves Stewart and sister-in-law, Pete (Sarah) Spurgin. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Leta Ann Garrison Eaves, son Clay Garrison Eaves and wife Betsy of Shreveport, LA, daughter Kathryn Eaves Edwards and husband Brady of Austin, TX, daughter Leta Eaves Cunningham and husband Bill of San Antonio, TX, granddaughter Emily Eaves Lancaster and her husband Jason of Baltimore, MD, granddaughter Ashley Eaves of Austin, TX, grandson Lloyd Cunningham and fiancé' Tiffany Platt, granddaughter Leta Rebecca Cunningham and great-grandchildren August Clay Lancaster and Eleanor Wren Lancaster, sister-in-law Mary Jordan and husband Vick of Columbia, MS, many beloved nieces and nephews and countless friends across the country. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Kenneth Eaves was the rock for his family. He adored his grandchildren and they adored their Pops. Often described as the consummate Southern gentleman, he met people with grace, humor and a handshake that made you know the world was safer with him in it. Kenneth graduated from the University of Texas in 1948 after service to his country as a navigator bombardier in the 512^th squadron, 47^th Wing, 15^th Air Force during which time he received the Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. He loved his family, his country and his Texas Longhorns with deep passion. He enjoyed ribbing his Texas A&M kids, especially during the annual Thanksgiving UT/A&M rivalry game, but his grandson Lloyd will redeem the UT legacy with his graduation from the University of Texas on Saturday, May 23, 2015. Following graduation from UT, Kenneth worked for Continental Oil in Corpus Christi, TX and in 1954 moved to Shreveport with Leta, Elizabeth and Clay to work for Curtis Parker Oil Company. He purchased Curtis Parker Oil in 1975, distributing first Amoco products, then Conoco products to businesses and farmers throughout Northwest Louisiana. He was active in the Louisiana Oil Marketers Association and made lifelong friends through that association. He was a dedicated member for over 60 years of First United Methodist Church in Shreveport where he and Leta married and raised their family. Kenneth was an avid tennis player and fan. He could be seen on the courts of Pierremont Oaks well into his 80s and seldom missed watching a televised Grand Slam tournament. Kenneth and Leta loved to travel and have many cherished memories of trips throughout the US, Canada and Europe. In later years they loved to load up the motor home and tour the countryside visiting old friends and making new ones. It was not at all unusual for them to meet people on a cruise ship or in a campground who became friends for life. We will miss his laughter, his wit, the twinkle in his eye, his beautiful deep bass voice and his greeting of "Hey, Sport!" or "Hi, Doll Baby!". We will keep forever with us the values of loyalty, honesty, generosity, integrity and hard work that guided his life. All who ever had the honor of meeting him were blessed by his warmth and sincerity. Honoring Kenneth as pall bearers will be Clay Eaves, Bill Cunningham, Lloyd Cunningham, Brady Edwards, Jason Lancanster, John Hearne, and Gene Williams. The family will receive visitors in Hunter 101 at First United Methodist Church from 10:00 a.m. - noon on Thursday, May 21, 2015. A celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church with Dr. Don Webb and Rev. Carl Rhoads officiating. Interment at Forest Park St. Vincent immediately following.