Kenneth Francis Gatz, 77, of Taft, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on July 28, 2026.

He was born on January 26, 1949, in Newton, Kansas, to Lawrence and Viola Gatz. His family moved to South Texas when he was 13 years old. He made Taft his home, working on the Threadgill Farm as a young teenager, and he graduated from Taft High School in 1968. Tillman Threadgill was very special to him and later became his father-in-law when he married the love of his life, Suzie in 1973. He then attended Bee County College and soon after, started working in the Oilfield. He enjoyed over 30 years in the Oilfield before owning his own landscaping stone business for almost 20 years before retiring in 2019. Suzie and Kenneth built a beautiful life together and were happily married for a week shy of 53 years.

Kenneth loved to follow his children and grandchildren in all that they did. It began with Shannon & Shelley, traveling countless miles each weekend to take them and their horses to and from peewee through high school rodeos. From there, he loved to visit them at Texas A&M, where one of his greatest passions, cooking, allowed him to share his grilling gifts with his daughters and their many friends in College Station. Kenneth was so happy to see his daughters marry John & Kelly, and he gained more joy with each grandchild that came along.

Kenneth had a remarkable way of making everyone feel loved every day, always reaching out with phone calls and one-of-a-kind jokes. He was also known for expertly supervising projects at the barn and wherever he was needed. Valentine’s Day was truly his favorite though! Kenneth always found the biggest stuffed animals and boxes of chocolate for his daughters & grandkids, a tradition he never missed.

Some of our family's most treasured memories were made in Concan at Nani & Paw Paw’s beloved getaway. It was the only place the hardest worker any of us knew, would go to relax! They had such fun swimming in the pool he built for them, going on rides in his mule, and enjoying the wonderful meals he prepared with dear family friends. Away from Concan, nothing made their ‘Paw Paw’ happier than to see them compete in their many passions. From showing animals to shooting sports, swim meets or soccer games, he was always guarding the trailer, cheering in the stands, or driving the mule to the next station. Paw Paw never missed a thing and was so proud of all that they did!

The Gatz family will always cherish the cruise he just treated them to, visiting Spain, France, Italy, and Vatican City, which he was most excited to see. Kenneth was proud of his long family history in the Catholic Church and loved sharing his faith with his family. It was truly a life-changing trip, full of beautiful sights, special churches, and most importantly precious family time. They feel so lucky to have called Kenneth theirs!

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Clarence and Edward Gatz.

He is survived by his loving wife, Suzie Threadgill Gatz of Taft, Texas; his daughters, Shannon O’Brien (John) of Sinton, Texas and Shelley Dreyer (Kelly) of Portland, Texas; his grandchildren Taylor, Trinity, and Taryn O’Brien and Kaden and Brody Dreyer. Kenneth is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Visitation will be held from 5 PM until 9 PM on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Winsteads' Funeral Home, where a Holy Rosary will be recited that same evening at 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 AM on Saturday, August 1, 2026. Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Palms Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

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Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads' Funeral Home.

361-643-6564 | www.WinsteadsFuneralHome.com