Tributes

Kenneth Mumu Mwangi, 41, was given his set of wings and became an angel on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. Ken was born December 10, 1974 in Nairobi, Kenya. Ken was a mischievous child, bringing excitement from the very day of his birth. Ken never knew a stranger and his sisters quickly learned to become comfortable with being known as "Ken's sister" around the community. Ken had an intelligent and inquisitive mind and questioned everything from how something worked to why things had to be a certain way. This was especially clear in his love for cars and how they worked. It became a passion that he shared with many, helping anyone who asked. He was an early entrepreneur with a strong business sense running through his core. Ken was always finding ways to earn a dollar and started his first "business" while in grade school. In 1988, Ken was recognized with a great honor as one of the top 100 students in Kenya. In 1994, Ken moved to Phoenix, Arizona and attended Arizona State University, where he earned a degree in Political Science in 1999. One of the first Kenyans in the community, many people looked to Ken for guidance and teaching while they integrated into the city. Ken met and charmed MariaElena Martinez in 2002; they fell in love and married on May 5, 2003. Ken and Maria have two beautiful sons, Ethan and Andre, and they most recently made their home in San Antonio, Texas. Ken's love for his wife, his children and his family surpassed everything else in his life. His bond with his sons was second to none and you could see the light in his eyes when he talked about them and his wife. Ken loved to joke around and talk politics with anyone and everyone and instilled in his children a keen sense of inquiry and interest in their community. Ken had a unique ability to leave his mark on people's hearts and he will be missed by many people around the world. His wife Maria would want you to know: "Ken did not leave us empty. We always hugged and always said I love you. All the time and for no specific reason. We laughed and loved like there was no tomorrow and we did dance like no one was watching. Ken did not leave us empty or with any regrets and while my time with him was too short, we are at peace. " Ken was preceded in death by his father, James Mwangi Mumu. Survivors include his wonderful wife, MariaElena Mwangi and two sons, Ethan and Andre; as well as his mother, Charity W. Mwangi; twin sister, Paula Nyaga and her husband, Alex, of Nairobi, Kenya; sisters Olive Pettiford and her husband, Bernard of Atlanta, Georgia; and Ivy Karuri and her husband, Alex, of Nairobi, Kenya. He was the much beloved son-in-law of Alvaro Martinez and Lillian Pallares and doting uncle of Tyrese, Matthew, Donovan, Justin, Isaiah, and Trevor. Ken was dearly loved by multiple family members and friends. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 20, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with funeral services to begin at 6:00 p.m.

Tributes

Kenneth Mumu Mwangi

December 10, 1974 - May 17, 2016