Douglas Whitt Kennemer

Doug who was born on January 21, 1951, in Austin, Texas, passed away on October 29, 2025, at home in Manor, Texas. He lived in the Austin area nearly all his life, except for a few years when work took him to a small town out west. He was the middle child between his older brother, Terry Kennemer, and younger sister, Connie Hatch (Kennemer). Doug graduated from Lanier High School and through mutual friends, he met his forever sweetheart, Patrice Annette Walker. They married in 1970, and welcomed a son, Kelly Deane Kennemer in 1971. In 1977, their second child, Kimberly Diane Kennemer was born, and their family was complete. Doug and Patrice’s love and commitment to each other was unwavering. Doug’s passing came just two days shy of their 55th wedding anniversary. They have many beautiful memories of their trips to Puerta Vallarta, Bahamas, Aruba, Las Vegas, London, Leicester, Dublin, and Paris (to name a few!). Collecting antiques was a shared interest, and Patrice was often gifted little “treasures” from auctions they attended. In recent years, Doug welcomed any chance for him and Patrice to join Kim and her husband, Steven Jones, on a day trip somewhere or just out for a bite to eat. He often shared how much he loved Steve, and thought he was one of the best humans he ever knew. If Doug wasn’t visiting with Steve and Kim, fishing with Kelly, or at the golf course, then he was probably barbequing something in the backyard. As a youngster, Doug enjoyed football and baseball, but golf and fishing pulled at his heartstrings the most. It was on his fishing boat where he spent countless sunrises and sunsets reelin’ em in with Kelly. They often exchanged the nickname “Net Boy;” depending on who was doing most of the catchin’ and who was left doing the nettin’. There were few baseball, football, volleyball, or soccer games he didn’t attend. He was proud of Kelly and Kim’s athletic and life accomplishments, and he was always there to cheer them on. If you knew Doug, then you have heard the stories! Family meant everything to Doug. He cherished regular lunch dates with Patrice’s sister, Darlene Bradley and her husband, Don Bradley. Doug thought the world of Darlene’s daughter, Ginny, and considered her one of his own. Thanksgiving Day was special because it was an opportunity to gather with Patrice’s brother, Charles Walker, his wife Janice, nieces Angie, Becky, and Mandi (deceased). He sure had fun getting to know his great-nephews, Quintin and Collin, great-niece, Madie, and Becky’s husband, Eric, whom Doug thanked for his service in the U.S. Army. Early in his career, Doug was employed by Houston Instruments where he worked as a warehouse manager and production line supervisor for 16 years. Doug’s heart, and a touch of luck, led him to work for the City of Austin in the Parks and Recreation Department where he was a shift supervisor at Morris Williams Golf Course for over 20 years. Within the golf community is where he forged some of his longest and strongest friendships. Doug worked for many years alongside Beth Clecker whom he admired and loved. Doug liked his work, but he loved the people. Doug found his calling as a golf instructor where he helped many men, women, and youth master their swing. He got the biggest kick out of working with youth; he said he was passionate about developing the whole person, not just the athlete. It was Doug’s pleasure to serve as Parliamentarian on the Board of Directors at the Texas Health Credit Union since 2014. It was important to him that the employees felt valued and appreciated. When he visited, he made his rounds through the building; ensuring he said hello to everyone while dishing out candy or other goodies. THCU’s philosophy, “people helping people,” certainly aligned with Doug’s values, making him a proud affiliate. Doug was preceded in death by his father Denzel Kennemer, his mother Billie Merle Kennemer, and young brother, Michael Kennemer. Surviving family members are Patrice Kennemer (wife), Kelly Kennemer (son), Kimberly Kennemer (daughter), Steven Jones (son-in-law), Terry Kennemer (brother), Larry Kennemer (sister-in-law), Wil Kennemer (nephew), and Amanda Clouse (niece), Connie Hatch (sister), Greg Hatch (brother-in-law), Ashley Hamilton (niece), Brandon Hatch (nephew). In lieu of funeral services, a Celebration of Life will take place in January. Additional details of the event will be posted here in the coming weeks.

Douglas Whitt Kennemer

January 21, 1951 - October 29, 2025