Kenneth C. Fairbanks, Sr.

Kenneth C. Fairbanks Sr. (Ken), 69, passed away on Wednesday, July 6th, 2022, in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 17th, 1952 in Detroit, Michigan to Thomas and Barbara Fairbanks. 

Ken was a distinguished member of the United States Marine Corp, a master carpenter with over forty years of experience, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. 

After Ken returned home from the service, he met his loving wife Robin Fairbanks at Bate’s Burgers in Livonia, Michigan and the two were married on November 30th, 1973.  They moved to Galveston, Texas in 1977, where eventually led them to the small Village of Jamaica Beach, TX., where they found their current home and raised their family together.  Ken was a home framer on the west end of Galveston Island and framed many homes that we still drive by and see. He took great pride in his work and held a high standard of the crews that he worked with. 

Ken enjoyed family gatherings, playing competitive softball, and participating in bowling leagues in his younger years.  More recently, Ken enjoyed playing computer games, and spending time with his dog Neeko. As a long-time resident of the Jamaica Beach community he had many friends and family that enriched his life, and he, theirs. He was known affectionately as “Papa” by his family. He was an adored and beloved member of the Fairbanks family. He had a way of always putting a smile on your face when you were having a “bad” day. While Ken was a Lung Transplant recipient almost 3 years ago, he battled with several health issues in the past 1 ½ years but still managed to keep a smile on his face and a sense of humor. He was a fighter through it all.  

He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Barbara Fairbanks and brother, Tom Fairbanks. He is survived by his loving wife, Robin J. Fairbanks. The two loved having their family around as often as possible and were wonderful parents and grandparents. They enjoyed participating in community events and were a fixture in their community. 

Ken is survived by his mother-in-law, Marian F. Dorr; siblings, Richard Fairbanks (Leslie), Teri Amidon (Jeff), Gordon Fairbanks (Beverly) and Brian Fairbanks (Danielle); sister-in-law’s, Jackie Dorr and LouAnn French; brother-in-law, Bob Dorr (Ida); his son: Kenneth C. Fairbanks Jr. (Nena), and his daughters, Michelle Dorr (Foy) and Christine Rupertus (Russell); along with their grandchildren Kenneth C. Fairbanks III, Marinna R. Rivera (Tomas), Mason C. Cammarn, Foy E. Varner IV, Garrett T. Varner, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Family and friends are invited to join us at the Jamaica Beach City Park located at 16721 Jolly Roger Rd, Jamaica Beach, Texas, 77554 on Saturday, July 23rd, 2022, at 5:00 P.M.  In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting monetary donations to assist in expenses.

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