Kenneth G. Dominique

Kenneth Dominique, who preferred to be called “KD or Dominique”, passed away in his home in San Antonio, TX on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Kenneth was born in New Orleans, LA to Hazel Gueringer and Don Albert Dominique. The son of a well- known Jazz musician, Kenneth was cared for by his grandparents while his parents unknowingly made history traveling with his father’s band to numerous states with, what has been said to be, the first jazz band to give a concert. Kenneth joined his parents when they settled in San Antonio. Kenneth attended St. Peter Claver School then on to St. Phillips College, where he earned an Associate Degree in Tailoring. After graduation, Kenneth worked the family business, The Key Hole Club. Young and old enjoyed questioning Kenneth and hearing his details surrounding multiple attempts by the city to shut down the first integrated night club in San Antonio. He enjoyed sharing volumes of pictures of stars who visited the Key Hole, such as The Brown Bomber, Nat King Cole and Dizzy Gillespi. It was said they heard of the good entertainment, great food and good times to be had. Kenneth gave many interviews for books and NPR programming on his father’s experiences. In his early 20’s, he lost his sight in his left eye due to an accident while fixing his Jeep. This never stopped him from his many accomplishments. He could figure out how to build or repair almost anything. With the help of family and friends, he remodeled his house and continued to maintain and improve it over the years. He enjoyed working on his cars (Mustang) and his friends Model B. He would try plumbing, electrical work and anything that created a challenge. In 1951, Kenneth was drafted by the Army and sent to Korea continuing to serve in the reserves when he returned. In 1969, he volunteered for TDY in Vietnam. Kenneth worked for Kelly AFB where he received numerous accolades and awards over 36 years, retiring in 1988. He continued many of those friendships formed at work and playing on softball teams with coworkers. He drove a transport van for the AKA retirement community Roseville forming many relationships. He started a successful lawn care business which he proudly ran through his 80’s. He married Janie Garcia in 1954 and they were married until her passing in 2009. Since they were not able to have children, they became foster parents. In addition, the children in the neighborhood would visit for a story and a treat. Many continued to visit with their children and grandchildren. They were long time supporters of the Child Fund organization. He recently received a letter from a boy who is graduating from high school and thanked him for supporting him throughout his childhood. They both liked to fish and had a weekend home in Aransas Pass they enjoyed for many years. Kenneth enjoyed hunting trips with his cousins, Hank Gueringer and Lawrence Forchia. They prefabbed and transported a house to their hunting property in Terlingua. They had many years hunting in West Texas and lots of stories. In later years, he and Lawrence had a hunting lease in Edna. They built a small house and enjoyed many successful hunting seasons. Kenneth was a member of a men’s hunting club well known for their Annual Wild Game Dinner. He worked tirelessly every year preparing for this event. Having never met a stranger, Kenneth was always willing to chat, provided there was no conflict with a televised Spurs or Saints game. Kenneth is survived by his sister, Lynette Washington and her children, Nia and Rolyn; cousin, Muriel De Lay; and god child, Theda Redwine.