Kenneth Lovett

Kenneth Allen Lovett was born November 6, 1938 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Bradley Gibson Lovett and Ruby Foster Lovett. He was their firstborn child and was the older brother to Benny, Joyce and Jim Lovett. Throughout Ken's childhood and youth, he was a skilled athlete, playing baseball and basketball, but excelled in football in high school and college. Participated in his high school Vo-Ag program eventually becoming a state officer for Future Farmers of America.

Ken was known throughout his life as having an unmatched work ethic; one which began with a paper route in the 4th grade. Other interesting jobs included picking up pecans to sell to neighbors, working at the NeHi Grapette Factory and writing essays for fellow college students; an A paper came at the high cost of $5.00. He attended Northern State College on a football scholarship and then transferred to Oklahoma State University where he continued his studies. He married his high school sweetheart, Laura Taber in 1959 and they began their life together in Stillwater, Oklahoma while still in college. Ken's career with Texaco began when he and Laura's brother, Carl Taber opened Ken & Carl's Texaco. Their full-service station was one of the first designated a Texaco Star Station. From this humble beginning, he rose through the ranks of the company, taking promotions and making moves to Oklahoma City, to Houston, to Dallas, and back to Houston, then Baton Rouge. He was honored in the early 90's with the prestigious Texaco Star Award for his design and innovation of a mobile quality control laboratory. He and Laura moved to Tulsa in 1990 where K.A. Lovett (as he was known in the company) finished his career as Director of Operations for Mid-Continent U.S.

Ken and Laura had three children, Jeff, Lori and Chad. In spite of his work travel, community and church involvement, he was a hands-on dad coaching sports teams, leading scout troops, taking special trips for hunting and fishing, and teaching each of them how to make and fix things. Ken was a master craftsman, woodworker and antiques collector. He and Laura loved taking road trips all over the country finding antiques to restore and either sell or keep in their home. His woodworking interests led him to begin carving decoys and shore birds that were in high demand for many years. He taught himself how to carve and paint many different species. Eventually, he carved his last and moved on to the next interest, and the next. His mission trips to Central and South American countries to build homes and churches were a great joy to him and he and Laura made deep friendships with some of the people they served. Additionally, he worked for a time building homes for Habitat for Humanity.

After 36 years as a member of South Tulsa Baptist Church, Ken's welcoming presence and behind the scenes work for the church events will be missed. He served on various building and finance committees at the various Baptist churches he and the family were members of with each move. Ken leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Laura Taber Lovett, his daughter Lori Lovett Tradup and beloved son-in-law Thomas Tradup of Highland Village, TX; his youngest son Chad Lovett and beloved daughter-in law Rhonda McCall Lovett of Tulsa, Oklahoma and the source of his great pride, his grandchildren: Jared Lovett (Phoenix, AZ), Ashley Lovett White, (Round Rock, TX), Cole Lovett, (Giddings, TX), Ethan Tradup (Grapevine, TX), Ellie Kate Tradup (Colorado Springs, CO), Addy Lovett (Stillwater, OK), Josie Lovett (Tulsa, OK) and Creed Lovett (Tulsa, OK). Ken also leaves behind six great-grandchildren and two on the way; his dear cousins and wonderful friends.

The family is proud of the 87 year race that Ken ran and know he slid into Heaven leaving nothing left for him to do. He was greeted by his son, Jeffrey Lane Lovett; parents, Brad and Ruby Lovett; and his siblings, Benny Lovett, Joyce Todd and Jim Lovett. Thank you for celebrating his life with us today. We love you Ken, Dad, Papa!