Kenneth (Ken) Arthur Manuel, a beloved father, grandfather, brother and co-founder of Wood Essence Inc., passed away on Dec. 8, 2023, at the age of 75. He is survived by his loving son, Matthew Manuel, his daughter-in-law Mariam Manuel, and his cherished granddaughter, Layla Rose Manuel. He is also survived by his son, Sean Manuel, and his brothers, Richard, Dale, Scott and Craig Manuel.

Kenneth was born on Oct. 3, 1948, in the town of Auburn, in upstate New York, where he spent his childhood assisting his father, a master carpenter and master tin smith. On May 12, 1979, he married the love of his life, Marcella, and they enjoyed a loving marriage for 37 years until her passing in April of 2017.

In 1985, Kenneth and his brother Craig embarked on an entrepreneurial journey together and founded Wood Essence, a high-end carpentry shop serving the greater Houston area. Their dedication and craftsmanship earned them the respect and admiration of their peers and clients alike.

Aside from his professional accomplishments, Kenneth was a passionate Houston sports enthusiast. He followed the Texans, Rockets and Astros, celebrating their victories and sharing in their defeats. This was a common topic of conversation amongst family members.

Kenneth’s legacy will forever live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and colleagues. He will be remembered for his unyielding devotion to his family, commitment to his craft, and his consistently warm and compassionate nature.

A memorial service to celebrate Kenneth’s life was held on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, at the Sugar Land Mortuary (1818 Eldridge Rd, Sugar Land, TX) with visitation at 5 p.m. followed by a service at 6 p.m.