Sam Kuykendall

Sam Kuykendall of Menard passed from this life on December 31, 2019. He was born August 2, 1943 in El Paso, Texas, the oldest of five children of James Kuykendall and Mae Beth Bristow. Sam married Diane Bagwell on August 23, 1963 in Menard, Texas. Sam graduated from high school in San Angelo and attended San Angelo College (SAC) before earning his Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University in 1967. While there he was a member of the National Champion Livestock Judging Team and Saddle and Sirloin Club. Sam enjoyed rodeo and calf roping from an early age and throughout his college days. After graduation he took the position as Assistant County Extension Agent in Lamb County before moving to Menard in 1969 where he remained until his retirement in 1996. As a County agent Sam was a man of many talents. He was a champion with his 4-H members, and they were champions in the show ring because of him. He and his family enjoyed many successes in the lamb barn as well. Sam touched the lives of many youth and adults statewide and was well respected in the livestock industry. He was instrumental in establishing the Texas Lamb Breeder's Association and served the Texas Junior Livestock Association in many capacities. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and Administrative Council. Sam also served on the MISD Board of Trustees, Menard City Council, Menard Country Club Board of Directors and as Athletic Booster Club president. He and his brother-in-law, the late Rusty Williamson, enjoyed calling and spotting the action for the Menard Yellowjacket football team for many years as well. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Jo Beth Kuykendall. Sam is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, two brothers Jim, Steve and wife Karen, a sister Barbara Shepherd; son Brad (Karin) of San Angelo; daughters Krista Wilkinson of Menard, Hope (Jeffrey) Schneider of Temple, Holly (Rusty) Betts also of Temple; and eight grandchildren, Kassidy and Jordan Wilkinson, Sam and Kaitlyn Kuykendall, Rhett and Jaleigh Schneider, and Yancy and Gentry Betts. Memorials may be made to the Menard County 4-H Club. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at the Menard Manor for their wonderful care and compassion. Memorial services will be Saturday, January 11th at 2:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church 201 Gay Street in Menard.

Sam Kuykendall

August 2, 1943 - December 31, 2019