Donald Paul Kuykendall, age 79, of Brownwood passed away Thursday, May 31, 2018, at his residence.
The family welcomes you to join them for a Celebration of Life Monday, June 4, 2018, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Blaylock Funeral Home Chapel in Brownwood, Texas. Casual dress and/or overalls are requested in honor of Don’s memory. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood.
Don was born in Harlingen, Texas, October 13, 1938. He graduated from La Feria High School in 1957. Don married the love of his life, Georgene, on September 6, 1958. He worked as a firefighter for the La Feria Fire Department until he took a job with GTE. With GTE, Don worked in several cities including: Baytown, Ingleside and later transferred to Brownwood in 1980, where he made his home. Don made many lifelong friends while at GTE who gave him the nickname “Cookie Dough” – possibly because no one could pronounce “Kuykendall”. Don retired from GTE after 38 years.
Don spent most of his free time doing what he loved – fishing and spending time with his family. Don was a “Jack of all Trades” and did a little bit of everything; he was a goat farmer, avid fisherman, hunter, wine maker and excellent gardener. His family would often fight over who would get his tomatoes or corn from the garden. Don was probably best known for his infectious smile and denim overalls. He never met a stranger and was deeply loved by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. Fish on!
He is survived by his 3 children: Clay Kuykendall (wife Cheri), Jeff Kuykendall (wife Susan), Jenifer Carroll (husband Troy) all of Brownwood; 14 grandchildren: Kristen Blear (husband Eric), Ashley Crawford (husband Russell), Joe Mendez (wife Stephanie), Megan Long, Joshua Woodard (wife Crystal), Jeremy Woodard (wife Tiffany), Erika Witten, Elisa Witten, Kaleigh Hopson, Cason Carroll (wife Kerry), Kaleb Hopson, Kayla Koho (husband Kyle), Holly Greer (husband Austin), Heather Kuykendall; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Darrell Kuykendall; sister, Ella Mae Risley; blood brother, Clifford Mann (wife Hazel); numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, brother and sister in-laws and his dog Sugaboog and cat Gus.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Georgene Kuykendall; daughter, Sandie Kuykendall; grandchild, Justin Hopson; sisters, Loyce Rump, Joyce Rapp, Wilma Adams, and Wanda June Kuykendall; and his parents, Oscar & Alice Kuykendall.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider donating to your local animal shelter or the Brookesmith Volunteer Fire Department.
Online condolences for the family are welcome at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com.
