Kendall Lee Bleam, 84, passed away on October 22, 2016 in Houston, TX. He was born on August 6, 1932 in Manhattan, KS to Jonathan and May Bleam.

 

When his nation called, he answered by joining the US Navy and served in the Korean War. After leaving the Navy, Ken started a family and relocated to Houston to join NASA as a flight engineer in Mission Control during the Apollo Space Program.   He later became a part of the training team working with the Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) at Ellington Field.  He was proud of his contribution to the space program and attended many functions after retirement.  Ken always enjoyed building things with his hands, whether fixing small engines or woodworking.  He also enjoyed traveling and camping with his late wife Arlene, as well as with many friends he had made over the years.  Ken had a strong faith and was an active member of the Lutheran church.

 

Ken is survived by his daughter, Karen Swiggard and her husband Scott, son-in-law, Sonny Metz, sister Barbara Farrell; grandchildren, David Perez and his husband Duane, Paula Metz, Justin Swiggard, Hannah Swiggard, Jenna Lyons and her husband Jeff, Lauren Swiggard and Nicole Swiggard; and numerous family members and friends. Ken is preceded in death by his wife Arlene Bleam and his daughter Jennifer Metz.

 

Ken discovered love again with JoAnn Duncan and they became engaged earlier this year. He welcomed her extended family his life, including her children: Linda Stevens, Michael Olivier, Jackie Arrington, Janice Olivier, Kevin Duncan, and Teri Canal, and a number of grandchildren.

 

A memorial will be held on October 28, 2016 with a viewing from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, immediately followed by a service at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, and graveside service at 3:30 pm at Forest Park East.

 

 

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church

18220 Upper Bay Rd.

Houston, TX 77058

 

Forest Park East Cemetery

21620 Gulf Freeway

Webster, TX 77598