Kenn Acker

It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Kenn Acker, who peacefully departed from this world on October 14, 2024. Mr. Acker was born on December 26, 1931, to the late Jacob and Magdalena (Pohlmeier) Acker in Nazareth, TX. Kenn grew up on a farm in Nazareth and graduated from Nazareth High School.  Moving to Lubbock, Kenn graduated from Texas Tech University in 1953, with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal husbandry. He served in the US Army from 1954 to 1956, and following his discharge moved to Belton, TX and became a county agent.  It was there that he was introduced and pursued his successful career in sales and management for JC Penney’s Department Store.  Working in the Men’s department, Kenn met the love of his life Barbara Stevenson who worked in the gift wrap and layaway department, and on July 19, 1958, they were married in Irving, TX.  In 1977, he moved to Lubbock and then in 1984 he was transferred to Dallas.  He worked in Dallas for a couple of years before he was offered the job as store Manager for JC Penney’s back in Lubbock.  Kenn worked for JC Penney’s Department Stores for 35 years, retiring on February 1, 1993.  Kenn enjoyed golf and travel. He was instrumental in the design and lay out of the Lubbock Veterans War Memorial and was an active parishioner of Holy Spirit Catholic Church.  He was a man of dedication and grace, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew him.

Kenn was a loving husband to his wife, Barbara Acker for 66 years; a devoted father to his daughter, Renee Acker; cherished brother to Tom Acker; as well numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins;  eighteen beloved exchange students; as well as Dr. Catherine Ronaghan (Bill Nolan), Dr. Dale Little (Susan), Drs. Brad and Priscilla Snodgrass, Dr. Susan Davis (Richard Pope), Dr. Katie Hendley, Dr. Leigh Ann Jenkins, Dr. Jose Allas (Nenette), Drs. Margaret Leicht and Michel Oliva, Dr. Christina Belle-Henry (Twain), Dr. Obie Stalcup, Dr. Don Bricker (Sammie Lou) and a special friend for 52 years, Bobby Rawls, that he counted as family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Magdalena Acker; and siblings, Myrtle White (H.D.), Pauline Dea (Jack), Floyd Acker (Evelyn), Jack Acker, Edward Acker, and Grace Kalka (Jim).

The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Meals on Wheels, the prayer gardens at Holy Spirit Catholic Church or a charity of your choice in memory of Kenn.

We want to extend a very special thank you to his Comfort Keepers caregivers, Diana Bunnell, Audrey Monaghan and Gloria Lopez.

Kenn will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his soul rest in peace as his memory lives on in the hearts of his family and friends. In memory of Kenn please wear red and black.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Kenn Acker, please visit our Tribute Store.