Kenneth Greathouse

Kenneth Greathouse passed away at his home on April 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a long and valiant struggle with heart failure. Memorial services will be at 10:00am, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Trinity Memorial Park Peace Chapel.

Kenneth was known to our family as “Pop”, or Uncle Kenny or Ken. But we all affectionately called him Pop. He was born on April 14, 1951, in Gonzales, Texas to Elvin and Malinda Greathouse.  He attended public school in Gonzales and then moved to Big Spring, TX in 1972. He initially was employed at the Big Spring State Hospital but, ultimately, went to work for Union Pacific Railroad in 1985. He moved up through the ranks at Union Pacific, beginning on traveling train repair gangs, day to day hauling and maintenance work culminating in being promoted to Engineer. He knew the UP business in detail and mentored many junior employees. He retired from UP in 2018 after 33 years of service.

Pop had a love of cars and over the years he acquired many of them. Almost all of them required some work, which he relished doing. He was the family’s go-to expert on all things automotive. From repairs, parts acquisition and financing to finding a place to park them, he enjoyed doing it all. And if he had a flaw in his love for automobiles it was that he hated getting rid of one he had collected. And he collected plenty.

Pop was a thrifty man. Because of his background and upbringing, he knew the value of a dollar. A knowledge that he was willing to share with friends and family, or just about anybody who asked. He valued hard work. He valued loyalty. He valued responsibility. And all of these values he sought to instill into members of his family. Having said that, it was well known that Pop could be a soft touch if somebody in his clan needed a financial boost. Many a time a family member might need financial help and seek out Pop for a “loan”.  If you were the one that needed the loan from Pop, you might expect a bit of a lecture on family values. And sometimes that lecture could be a bit stern. But you usually left Pop’s house with some dough in your pocket and a promise to do better next time.

Of course, Pop loved to be present at family Holiday celebrations, especially if they included the food that he loved like Gonzales sausage, barbecue and Christmas tenderloin.  But he really loved just the impromptu drop- ins from his kids. You could see the light in his eyes shine when a little one came through the door to visit, maybe with the little one’s mom or dad tagging along, He looked forward to the family domino games. He presided over many barbecues, parties, birthdays and events in his home, always smiling and listening, enjoying just being with his family members.

Kenneth led a life that exemplified the values and ideals of America and the common man. A life of dignity, resilience, pride, hard work and, above all, love for family.

As a family, we mourn the loss of our husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. We know we will miss his presence in our lives but we are thankful that his suffering is over, and we are grateful to God in Heaven for his life and the love that he had for all of his family.

Kenneth is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Caren Greathouse, his sons: Mathew Yeats (Janie), Jeremy Yeats and Brandon Greathouse (Sara). Also his cherished grandchildren Kristian Yeats, Erin Yeats (Rylan), Alexys Yeats, Gavin Greathouse, Luke Greathouse, Marceline Yeats, Jeremy Yeats, Jr., Jayda Yeats and Andre Greathouse, as well as great-grandson Kohen Simer. He is also survived by his siblings Linda Hardge (Herman), Joyce Armstrong, and Ronnie Greathouse. Also surviving are his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Don and Sandra Crockett. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews that he loved, dearly, and to whom he spoke often.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents, Elvin and Malinda Greathouse, his father and mother-in-law Don and Norma Crockett, his brother Elvin Greathouse, Jr., his sister Everlina Gray and his brother-in-law Randy Crockett.

The family would like to thank Dr. Raja Naidu, Dr. Mamoun Bashir, Dr. Allen Gibson, Jonathan Morales, APRN, Midland Memorial Hospital, Tiffany Salazar, and Big Spring Interim Home Hospice for the exceptional care and guidance they provided to Kenny and his family during his illness.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle and Welch Funeral Home and Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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