Kenneth Young Dinges, beloved husband of Ellen Beckerman Dinges for 31 years, passed away peacefully at his home in Fairhope, Alabama, December 26, 2022. Mr. Dinges was born on March 30, 1945 in Sugar Land, Texas to Dottie and Dillard Dinges who predecease him.
Kenneth’s career in public education and leadership spanned nearly five decades. Beginning as an Assistant Principal and Football Coach at Dulles High School and then becoming Principal, serving in that role at Willowridge, Clements and Denton Ryan High Schools in Texas and Foley High School in Alabama. Kenneth loved golfing, being at the beach and spending time with his children, grandchildren and most of all the love of his life, his beautiful wife, Ellen.
He is also preceded in death by his brothers, Dillard, Gene and Ted.
Also surviving are his children, Kristin (Chris) Seay of Daphne, AL and Houston, TX, Natalie Cobb of Little Rock, AR, Mike Odair of Los Angeles, CA and Malcolm Dinges and Christopher Dinges of Texas. His beloved grandchildren include John (Rachael) Cobb, Kate Cobb and Emily Cobb all of Arkansas; Kaleigh Phillips, Peyton Phillips and Jessica Phillips all of Fairhope, AL. Also his beloved golden retriever, Henry and cat Sophie, who was protective of him to the end!
A celebration of life for Kenneth will be 2pm on Friday, January 6, 2023 at Fairhope United Methodist Church with visitation at 1:30pm.
All are welcome to a reception following the service in Wesley Hall at FUMC.
Expressions of condolence may be made for the family at www.hughesfh.com. Hughes Funeral Home of Daphne is assisting the family.
Ellen and family,
Lifting you all in prayers for peace and comfort. You loved each other so well. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to know sweet Kenneth. Love to all.
Blessings of peace and comfort to the family. May each day be filled with precious memories that linger in your soul. HIS compassion is new every morning.
Sue(Gene) Ron,Don Mike ,Bud Dinges and Families in Texas
Ellen and the whole family – I am so sorry to hear about Kenneth’s passing. Take comfort he is with the Lord and left behind such wonderful memories and such a legacy of love. All of us Aggie girls have had the pleasure of hearing stories of his kindness and love throughout the years. You were all blessed, as was he. Prayers hugs and love to you all.
Ellen and family – I am so sorry to hear about Kenneth’s passing. Take comfort he is with the Lord and left behind such wonderful memories and such a legacy of love. All of us Aggie girls have had the pleasure of hearing stories of his kindness and love throughout the years. You were all blessed, as was he. Prayers hugs and love to you all.
When we last saw each other, you were assisting me in all the paperwork of my mother’s passing. That day you spoke so highly of your stepfather and your concerns with his health. I saw the love in your eyes and knew your heart was hurting. I sincerely know your pain. I wish I knew what to tell you to do to make things easier, but I haven’t figured that out yet myself. Please know I am sending love your way.
Ellen and family,
As you know Kenny was very dear to both Jimmy and me. As our first Asst. Principal at Dulles, to Jimmys Principal at Clements, many memories were made and friendships forged. We are so glad we had this time with him as a leader and a friend. One day I’ll tell you about my first day of bus duty with Kenny at Dulles. It was a classic! Hugs to you all, and prayers be with you.
Mr. Dinges was my principal at Foley High School from 1999-2003. I decided to return to Foley four years after graduation to serve the same campus that had served me. Mr. Dinges hired me as a 9th grade teacher his last year as principal. While I did not get to work for him for very long, I am eternally grateful that he gave me the opportunity. I am still teaching at Foley and many of us shared our warm stories of him today. His legacy on our campus is still strong.