Kenneth Dalton Furlow

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Kenneth Dalton Furlow on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 3:00 pm, at First Baptist Church of Loeb, 3082 US-69, Lumberton, Texas 77657.

Kenneth Dalton Furlow, 95, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 31, 2025. He was born on June 15, 1930, in Monroe, Louisiana, to Mary Mangham Barlow-Furlow (1894-1967) and William Wesley Furlow (1885-1946). Kenneth lived a life defined by service, love, and dedication.

At 16, after his father’s passing, Kenneth enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Germany from 1946-1948. Returning to Monroe, he met Patsy Irene Hayden while crossing the Ouachita River Bridge - a moment that changed his life forever. Captivated, he courted Patsy with guitar, serenade, and they married on January 27, 1950. Their first son, Kenneth Wesley, was born in September 1950. Soon after, Kenneth was recalled to serve in the Korean War from 1950-1951. In a letter to Patsy he wrote on the ship to Korea, he crossed out “IF” and wrote “WHEN I return” vowing to pursue a law degree.

After his return from Korea, Kenneth, Patsy, and their son Wesley settled in Beaumont, Texas. He worked nights at the Gulf Oil Corp in Port Arthur while attending Lamar State College of Technology, graduating in August 1953. Their second son, Jesse, was born in December 1953. In 1955, they moved to Austin, where Kenneth attended the University of Texas Law School, and their daughter, Cynthia, was born in May 1956. After Kenneth’s graduation, their third son, Derrell, was born in West Monroe, Louisiana, in May 1958. Returning to Beaumont, Kenneth balanced refinery work with building his law practice. Together, Kenneth and Patsy accomplished their first dream when he opened his office in downtown Beaumont at the Goodhue Building. The family continued to grow with the births of Randy in January 1960, and Lisa in March 1961.

In 1970, The Furlows relocated to Lumberton, Texas, where Kenneth’s deep commitment to community building led him to serve as Lumberton City Attorney. Driven by his vision for the town’s future, he played a pivotal role in its 1973 incorporation, working tirelessly to establish the legal framework that would allow Lumberton to thrive as an independent municipality. When the State of Texas and City of Beaumont challenged the incorporation, Kenneth’s unwavering dedication to his community fueled his successful defense of Lumberton in 1975, ensuring its survival and autonomy. His passion for education and community welfare also extended to representing Lumberton ISD, where he championed the district’s interests with the same fervor he brought to all his endeavors. Kenneth’s heartfelt devotion to serving his family, friends, and neighbors became his defining characteristic, as he poured his energy and expertise into causes that would leave a lasting, positive mark on the community for decades to come.​​

Kenneth and Patsy cherished their family above all, rarely missing their children’s or grandchildren’s events. They enjoyed playing bridge with their couple friends and sponsored The Raiders, a fast-pitch softball team their sons played on, which won state championships and earned national invitations. Kenneth was recognized by the State Bar of Texas for fifty years of service in 2008 and remained an active member throughout his life. In July 2023, he was honored by Lumberton Lodge No. 1430 for more than seventy years as a Master Mason with The Grand Lodge. Kenneth’s deep love for family and commitment to community service were evident in everything he did.

He is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Patsy Irene Hayden Furlow, and their children, Kenneth Wesley Furlow (Helen) of Lumberton, Texas, Jesse Lynn Furlow (Cathy) of Lumberton, Texas, Cynthia Irene Furlow Smith (Mike) of Conroe, Texas, Derrell Keith Furlow (Marci) of Beaumont, Texas, Randal Wayne Furlow of Lumberton, Texas, and Lisa Kay Furlow Dawson of Lakeway, Texas.

Grandchildren (13): Brandi Roschelle Meaux (Russ) of Lumberton, TX; Angela Marie Bragg (Tony) of Lumberton, TX; Erin Micah Smith (Karen) of Lumberton, TX; Jessica Paige Carver (Scott) of Celina, TX; Kenneth Lonnie Furlow (Holly) of Crosby, TX; Nathan Kyle Furlow (Brittany) of Fort Mill, SC; Emma Nicole Smith of The Woodlands, TX; Melany Ann Furlow of Austin, TX; Hayden Elizabeth Furlow of Houston, TX; Tyrrell Grant Furlow (Baylee) of Spring, TX; Drake Dalton Furlow (Carmen) Ogden, UT; Rylee Madison Dawson of Lakeway, TX; and Patsy Ann Dawson of Austin, TX.

Great grandchildren (21): Avery Fregia, Payden Furlow, Cami Furlow, Peydon Carver, Paisley Carver, Piercyn Carver, Piper Furlow, Leighton Furlow, Grant Furlow, Hartlee Furlow, Hunter Hargroder, Hannah McGallion, Halle McGallion, Hope McGallion, Gage Marshall, Cannon Smith, Wyatt Smith, Levi Chilton, Smith Chilton, Betsy Chilton, and Kali Furlow.

Beloved Sister-in-law: Sylvia Hayden Carter of Shreveport, Louisiana, Beloved Niece: Dickie Lee Weston of Hot Springs, Arkansas, as well as many nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his sisters; Mary Parris, Catherine White, and Florine Lackey.

Kenneth’s legacy was simple yet profound: Luke 6:31- “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.”

Thank you to Gentiva Hospice for their love and care (Ashley, April, and Debbie) and his devoted caregivers Angela, Shona, and Nikki.

The Furlow Family invites ALL to join us on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 3:00 pm. We want to share this time together at the Celebration of Life for Kenneth Dalton Furlow.

Donations: First Baptist Church of Loeb

With peace and love,

The Furlow Family

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