Kenneth Lee Setzer, Jr.

July 17, 1959 - August 22, 2026 (67 years)

Kenneth Lee Setzer, Jr., 67, of Sweeny, TX, went to heaven on Saturday, August 22, 2026, surrounded by his family. Ken was born in Angleton, TX on July 17, 1959. He graduated from Sweeny High School in 1977 and then Southwest Texas State University in 1981 where he met his lifelong love, Debra Kennedy. Ken returned to Sweeny ISD as a teacher and coach for almost three decades. Locally known as “The Voice of the Sweeny Bulldogs,” Ken took enormous pride and responsibility in announcing football games for 37 years and baseball games for 25, along with track and other events. His booming voice was a signature staple on Friday nights in Sweeny and will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

Throughout his tenure with Sweeny ISD, Ken taught various wood shop classes and coached boys’ sports. He earned Distinguished Teacher of the Year and Technology Teacher of the Year from the state of Texas on multiple occasions. He was inducted into the Sweeny ISD Walk of Honor on May 2, 2026, for the impact he left on the school district as an educator and community influence. In his comments to The Facts newspaper, he stated, “Sweeny’s me, I love it.”

Above all else, Ken loved his family. His wife, Debra, of 41 years and their two sons, Kenneth and Hunter, were the greatest joys of his life. Ken and Debra could be seen at every sporting event of their boys from t-ball to high school playoffs to Kenneth’s collegiate golfing career. Lovingly deemed “Pops” by his family, he doted on his five grandchildren and could be seen on the sidelines cheering them on as he did their fathers, cousins, friends, and so on. He was the epitome of supportive no matter if it were sports, dance, cheer, a game of dominoes, or telling stories and laughing in the backyard, he showed up for his family.

Ken is survived by his mother, Betty Setzer; wife, Debra Kennedy Setzer; sons Kenneth (Hannah) and Hunter (Kendall) Setzer; sisters Kimberly Effenberger, Deanna (Marcus) Ramirez, and Jana (Mike) Zimmerhanzel; grandchildren Lane, Leighton, Gruene, Colter, and Grey; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

Ken was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Lee Setzer, Sr.; father-in-law, Boyce Kennedy; mother-in-law, Sandy Kennedy; and brother-in-law, Tim Effenberger.

Services are scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2026, at New Shores Baptist Church, 6303 Farm to Market Rd 1459, Sweeny, TX 77480 with visitation from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. The funeral will take place at 10:00 a.m. with John Price officiating; interment to follow at Sweeny Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Kenneth Setzer III, Hunter Setzer, Jeffrey Effenberger, Joseph Effenberger, Larry Jones III, Preston Donald, Ryan Follett, Brent Gibson, and Dylan Swiger. Honorary Pallbearers include the Harris Hall Guys: Paul (Catfish) Bircher, Kendall Collier, Mike Colonetta, Brian Custard, Gary Hamblen, Bruce Leibee, Chris Mayer, Steve Meyer, Paul McCullar, Tony McEuen, Scott (OM) Stoore, and Jeff Tharp.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Sweeny ISD Athletic Booster Club, Sweeny ISD Education Foundation, or Sweeny ISD Walk of Honor.

Baker Funeral Home in West Columbia is in charge of arrangements.