Kenneth Carl Istre

Jennings

Kenneth Carl Istre closed his Bible for the final time on November 4th, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. His daily life was a living testimony of his faithfulness and love for the Lord. Kenneth was born on Feb 8, 1929 in Jennings, Louisiana to Ivy Joseph Istre and Betty Valdetero Istre. He attended Jennings High School receiving many athletic awards which led to football scholarship offers at the collegiate level. After seeking advice from his mother and father he decided to focus in the field of ministry and education. This led him to Harding College, Kentucky Bible College and East Tennessee State University where he received an undergraduate degree. He continued his ministerial studies receiving a Master in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary.

Kenneth began to lead singing when he was in High School. Many times he would lead singing at his father’s revivals. Hayden’s Grove in Amite was a place that he traveled to creating a special bond that lasted for over 70 years.

Kenneth’s ministry was from 1951 to 2015. The churches he served as minister were Locust Street Church of Christ, Johnson City, Tennessee; Piedmont church of Christ, Dallas; Amite Church of Christ, Amite; Big Creek Church of Christ, Arcola; Hayden’s Grove Church of Christ, Amite; Abbeville Church of Christ, Abbeville, Shiloh Church of Christ, Loranger.

Kenneth married his childhood sweetheart Betty Jane Reddell on December 26, 1950. Their 39 years of happiness started in Johnson City, Tennessee where Kenneth began his life of Ministry. In 1953 they moved to Dallas, Texas. This is where he began mixing his talents of teaching and preaching. His love and caring for people brought him great success. In 1964 Kenneth and Betty returned to South Louisiana as their ministry in Amite began. Kenneth also taught high school, coached, and enjoyed farming during his time in Amite. In 1979 Kenneth and Betty returned to Jennings to be with their aging parents. Kenneth taught high school and preached at Abbeville. After the passing of Betty in 1990 Kenneth continued teaching, preaching and taking care of people in need while living in Jennings.

Kenneth married Patsy Green Field on November 26, 1991. Their 26 years of marriage began in Jennings and then Watson and Hammond. Kenneth taught high school, college and preached at Hayden’s Grove and Shiloh until his health declined in 2015. Kenneth also became involved in the lives of Patsy’s children and grandchildren. After the passing of Patsy in 2018
Kenneth moved to Dallas, Texas where he continued to be a great encourager to others.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents Ivy Joseph Istre and Betty Valdetero Istre and his brother Richard Ivy Istre.

Preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Jane Reddell Istre, Kenneth is survived by their children Kenneth Dwaine Istre and wife Natalie, Kathleen Istre Alonso and her husband Roland, Kristine Istre Yeldell and her husband Layne, 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his second wife Patsy Green Field Istre, Kenneth is survived by her children Richard Benton Field and his wife Alison, SuEllan Field Moore and her husband Carmon, Tanya Field Mearse and her husband Bill, her 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Family will receive friends from 11:00am to 2:00pm, Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the Church of Christ in Jennings, LA.

Kenneth was the last member of the Founding Board of Directors at Christian Youth Encampment where he spent many summers working with the area youth. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Kenneth’s name to:
Christian Youth Encampment
Attention: Justin Simmons
PO Box 411
Glenmora, LA 71433