September 14, 1938 – July 12, 2024

Kenneth Blair McAllister passed away peacefully at home on July 12, 2024. 

Ken was born on September 14, 1938 to Harold and Mildred McAllister.  He grew up an active child in the Pacific Northwest playing several sports and working a variety of jobs, graduating from Hermiston High School in 1956. After attending a year of college at the University of Idaho, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Ken was stationed at Kelly AFB in San Antonio, Texas, where he met his lovely wife, Margie Ann Kowalik. They married in February of 1961 and a year later moved to Houston for his first civilian job with the NASA space program.  In June of 1965, the now family of five were among the early settlers in the Sagemont area. Ken later returned to college and earned his accounting degree from the University of Houston. He began working in Information Technology for a variety of Houston area banks, retiring in 1998 from Texas Commerce Bank.

Ken enjoyed life and had a variety of interests. Active in church, he and Margie were among the founding members of St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church. He helped to start the church’s Knights of Columbus Council #9201 and served as its first Grand Knight. An avid bowler, he was the first person to bowl a perfect 300 game at Mimosa Lanes. He also coached his own children in their youth bowling program and continued to enjoy league bowling and tournaments with them into his later years. Other interests included playing softball, golf, and bridge; supporting Margie with her Tupperware business; and traveling with the family on their summer road trips across the U.S. As their children grew and their nest became empty, Ken and Margie would sell their Sagemont home and move to Country Place. Ken continued to enjoy golf, community service, singing in the church choir, and playing bridge. As he added a new role of “Papa” to his life, he loved his grandchildren and attended many of their sports events and church activities. Driving the golf cart around Country Place showing off the grandkids was one of his great joys, occasionally letting them drive. After 40 years of wedded bliss, Ken’s beloved Margie passed away in February of 2001.

A few years later, Ken met the adventurous Phyllis Kuchta who became his travel companion, bridge partner, and life partner of nearly 20 years. Their shared love of travel and bridge took them all over the world. They were members of the Clear Lake Bridge Club and frequently played in tournaments across the U.S. One travel highlight was the invitational bridge tour to several developing European countries where they played bridge with the locals. Another travel favorite of Ken’s was a trip to New Zealand where they were invited to share Christmas Eve with a local family.  As a strategic bridge player, Ken earned Gold Life Master status. In more recent years, Ken spent time mentoring new bridge players and volunteering with Tax Aide each tax season. 

During his 85 years, Ken generously gave of his time and money to anyone in need, He instilled in his children the value of hard work, love of travel, service in the community, and faithfulness in church. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend and will be so missed.

Preceding him in death were his parents Harold and Mildred, wife Margie, sister Jeannette Kimberlin, and brother Don McAllister. Remaining loved ones include daughters, Karen (Scott) Hill and Mona (George) Cantalamessa, son, Mark (Derek) McAllister, grandchildren Kirby (Angela), Olivia and Alana Cantalamessa, and great-grandson Noah Cantalamessa, and life partner Phyllis Kuchta. 

On August 8, 2024, at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 11011 Hall Road, Houston, Texas 77089, visitation will start at 10:00 am, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 am, ending with a catered luncheon and reception at 12 noon in the church social hall. Flowers may be sent to Jeter Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, TX 77546, or in lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to your favorite non-profit.