Kenneth Elfert Abrahams, 86, of Lake Charles passed away just two days shy of his 87th birthday, at 5:45 PM on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, in the comfort of his home and surrounded by his family.

Mr. Abrahams was born on Dec. 8, 1937 in Lake Charles, where he was a lifelong resident.  He was a proud 1956 graduate of LaGrange High School and went on to pursue higher education, attending McNeese State University and Louisiana State University, where he earned his master’s degree in mechanical engineering.  Mr. Abrahams had a distinguished career and retired after many years of dedicated service at Vista (Sasol). He was a devout member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where he was baptized.

A man of many passions, Mr. Abrahams had an exceptional love for boats. He was an avid and experienced boat builder, having crafted and raced numerous boats over the years. His enthusiasm for sailing gave him boundless joy, and he was actively sailing boats into his eighties. He was a charter member of the Lake Charles Yacht Club and an active participant in the Lake Charles Power Squadron.  Beyond the water, Mr. Abrahams had a deep appreciation for gardening.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 63 years, Sondra Aleshire Abrahams; children, Melanie Lanthier (Greg) of Carlyss, Jeffery Abrahams (Esther) of Lake Charles, and Karen Wirstrom (Ashoka Wagner) of Lake Charles; a brother, Albert “Bert” Abrahams of Fort Worth; six grandchildren, Aaron Lanthier (Bri), Tabitha Hicks (John), Thomas and Christopher Abrahams, and Nelson and Harrison Wirstrom, and five great grandchildren, Reed, Luke, Vera, Mable, and Helen Hicks.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and May Elfert Abrahams and a great-grandson, Jase Warren Hicks.

A funeral mass will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.  Father Michael Beverung will officiate.  Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.  Visitation will begin from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., followed by a recitation of the rosary at 12 p.m., and the funeral mass at 1:30 p.m. at the church.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneral home.net. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in his name to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lake Charles.