Jack Bernard Kahn, 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 23, 2014 in Seabrook. Born in Houston on March 23, 1927, Jack was the first child of I.B. and Jane Norwood Kahn.
Jack graduated from San Jacinto High School in 1944 where he was captain of the citywide high school championship ice hockey team. He then attended Texas A&M University, joining the Coast Guard after his freshman year to serve on the USCGC Spar as Seaman 1st Class and patrol the East Coast while training for the potential amphibious invasion of Japan. After the war, he returned to A&M to complete his business degree.
During a weekend trip home to Houston, Jack met the love of his life – Betty Sue Bonner of Edinburg – as she stood on the corner waiting for a bus. After initially rebuffing the handsome stranger's attempts to engage in conversation, she succumbed to his disarming wit and dazzling smile and agreed to be escorted to church the following day. After the Aggie Class of '48 graduated, Jack and Betty Sue began 65 fun-filled and adventurous years together on July 3, 1949.
The same charm that won over the pretty blonde legal secretary from The Valley made Jack an outstanding salesman as he joined the family business of Mandel-Kahn Drygoods which took him to Beaumont and South East Texas. In 1965, Jack became the Vice President and General Manager of a new division – M.K. Housewares – which entailed a family move to Seabrook. He held this post until he retired and the company was sold in 1991. Under his leadership, the company became a major distributor of non-food items to grocery stores throughout Texas and the contiguous states.
A devoted family man and natural athlete, Jack juggled a demanding career with his love for neighborhood tennis games; golf and hunting with business associates; and church and company softball teams. He also ensured that his children had every opportunity and encouragement to enjoy similar activities. There were many Little League games, ballet recitals, musical concerts, lacrosse games and submarine launchings – all of which he embraced with enthusiasm. There were also many road trips in the family station wagons, two of which are still sitting in the driveway, alongside his beloved motor home.
Pre-deceased by his parents, Jack is survived by wife Betty Sue, his daughter Susan Addy and husband Mike of Houston, sons Jack Jr. and wife Susy of Bryan, Jon and wife Silvi of Spring, and Wallace of Friendswood; granddaughters Keri Kahn-Steinfeld and husband Josh of Colorado Springs, Kate Addy of Houston, Elizabeth Addy of Austin, grandson David Kahn and wife Christina of Washington D.C.; great granddaughter Avery Steinfeld, brother Donald Kahn and wife June of Austin, sisters Yvonne Webbles of San Antonio, Mary Jane Thompson and brother-in-law Cecil of Austin, sister-in-law Marjorie Davidson of Houston, and numerous loved nieces and nephews.
Second only to his love for family was his undying devotion and enthusiastic support for Texas A&M. He was true Ol' Army and proudly witnessed the graduation of three sons and one grandson.
He was a loyal member, since 1965, of the Seabrook United Methodist Church.
A memorial service will take place on Tuesday, January 28 at 2PM at Seabrook United Methodist Church located at 3300 Lakeside Drive in Seabrook. Prior to the service, family will gather for a private interment. In lieu of customary remembrances, memorials can be made to the American Lymphoma and Leukemia Society @ https://donate.lls.org; or M.D. Anderson Hospital@ https://gifts.mdanderson.org; or Seabrook United Methodist Church @ www.seabrookumc.org. Online condolences can be made at www.dignitymemorial.com/forest-park-east-funeral-home.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 19, 2014
Tommy and Ann Thornhill
Jack was a neighborhood buddy, a friend at San Jacinto and a classmate at Texas A&M. Our sincere condolences to his family.
February 15, 2014
Don Kahn
Just found out this morning, from my father. Such very sad news. My thoughts go out to Jack, Susan, Jon, Wallace, and Aunt Susan. He was the best uncle, anyone could ever wish for, and will not be forgotten. R.I.P. Uncle Jack.
January 29, 2014
Mike & Margaret McGowan
We are very sorry for the loss of Jack, who will always be remembered as a great friend and neighbor while growing up in El Lago, TX. Our condolences to the entire family.
January 28, 2014
Rudy Salinas
Truly sorry for the loss of one fine man that we had the pleasure of working with during our M-K years. Always a pleasure to see him when the M-K Family gathered for our Christmas luncheon reunion. You will be missed and rest in peace Mr. Kahn. Our thoughts and prayers to your Family during this difficult loss.
January 27, 2014
arthur hinners
Our condolences. We enjoyed knowing him and Betty Sue when we lived in Seabrook. We now live in Brenham, Tx
January 26, 2014
So sorry to hear the sad news. Our thoughts go out to all of Jack's family.
Jack touched many many lives and was a father figure to many of us young kids that grew up under his wing at MK Housewares.
He was a pretty good softball player and coach. He made us laugh everyday when he had the twinkle in his eye and grin on his face.
Restful peace dear friend.
January 25, 2014
Gilbert Araiza
I am so sorry for the loss of Jack. I enjoyed the many years we worked together at M-K, and seeing him every December for our M-K reuions. I appreciate the fact that he came to my Dad's funeral as well as my Uncle Pete's funeral. Rest in peace, Jack.
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