Craig David Kuykendall

June 8, 1954 - June 18, 2025

Grandview, Texas - Craig David Kuykendall departed this life on June 18, 2025, at the age of 71. He was born to James Wendell Kuykendall and Edwina Jane Hyde Kuykendall on June 8, 1954, in Billings, Montana, but spent his youth in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he graduated from Richard King High School in 1973. Craig graduated from the University of Texas in 1977 and soon began a career in the restaurant industry, first as a founding partner of Kerbey Lane Café in Austin, Texas, and then, with his beloved wife, Julie Shaw, Tours Restaurant in Fort Worth, Texas. Craig then had a second career with American Airlines, retiring in 2020.

Craig was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved to travel with his family, especially with his wife, Julie, their favorite destination being Paris, France. He loved food, cooking and interesting places to eat. Craig was a master gardener, music lover and a huge fan of baseball. As the song goes, he blew up the tv / threw away the papers / moved to the country / built him a home / planted a garden / ate a lot of peaches / tried to find Jesus / on his own.

Craig was briefly survived by his wife of forty years, Julie Shaw.

Craig was preceded in death by his father and survived by his mother, brother, Cliff Kuykendall, sister, Sandra Kachmar, children Kelly Kuykendall (Matthew Mendez), Cora Kuykendall, Alex Kuykendall (Anne Ross) and granddaughters, Della and Molly.

His memorial service will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at Greenwood Funeral Home, 3344 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, TX 76107.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you please make donations to The Warm Place.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Star-Telegram from Jul. 1 to Jul. 13, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
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7 Entries

Ann Jacobs

November 10, 2025

Craig and I became friends over 20-years ago. We both worked as Customer Service Managers at DFW Airport on the ramp. We got to know each other, resourcing from each other and keeping each other sane when things got crazy. We had a lot of great laughs, and most of all, became great friends.

After several years on the ramp, we both ended up moving to the headquarters building in different roles, but surprisingly, both in Human Resources. It was fun to be able to work close enough together where we could grab coffee or lunch and catch up with what each other had been doing.

Craig retired before I did, but we always stayed in touch. We´d get together for lunch once in a while when he came into town, which is when I met his wife Julie. The 3 of us might go to an art show or exhibit of some kind, or I´d drive out to the ranch and have lunch with them. We always had such a fun time together.

Craig had such a great sense of humor and always had such an upbeat attitude about everything. I miss hearing about their adventures and travels, about whatever new improvements had been made to the ranch, and all the projects he was working on. I miss getting pictures and post cards from their travels or pictures of the grandkids dying his hair or dressing him up. Most of all, I miss my dear friend, talking to him, catching up with him and looking forward to the next time we got together.

The one thing that brings my heart peace is, I know neither he nor Julie would ever be happy in this world without the other. As difficult as it is for us who remain, I´m happy they´re having new adventures and exploring heaven together.

Juan T

September 16, 2025

Remembering Craig

I am not fully accepting the reality that my friend of 20 years is not here anymore.

I remember when my friend ship first clicked with Craig, we were talking about music and he referred to Muddy Waters by his real name McKinley Morganfield, I knew at that second, I had made a great friend.

When things happen in our state or complex political issues were puzzling to figure out, I would always reach out to Craig. When I would delve into mysterious or vague Bob Dylan lyrics I would always reach out to Craig.
His thoughts and opinions were always of great value, whether I had a similar perspective or not. Sometimes he was as puzzled as I am and would offer some funny perspective to make me realize that fortunately the world is not coming to an end. So many wonderful conversations, many involving beer, will be missed.

I will also miss looking out the window of the record store and seeing Craig walking quickly across the courtyard with urgency, only to come in and BS with me. He would ask after a pause, "so what´s been going on with you". I always took the answer seriously and wanted to share something interesting that would be worthy of a conversation. But as I think about Craig now, I realize it didn´t matter what we talked about, just being around a peaceful and caring friend is truly one of the greatest pleasures in life.

Craig was a special friend who will never be replaced.

Juan T.

Carol Jankowski

July 22, 2025

With deepest sympathy...

MARILYN FLORES

July 16, 2025

Worked so many years alongside Craig, he was an amazing colleague and human. His easy fun way, the way he took the time to make sure the question you came for was answered and you were taken care of. We chatted after his retirement and the joy in his voice of his many fun moments at his farm and time with his family was so precious. May his essence live forever in those who loved him and may he and Julie live ever after in love in eternity.

Gunderson John

July 2, 2025

Both such wonderful individuals. So sorry to hear of their passing.

John M. Gunderson

Elizabeth S Villegas

July 2, 2025

My Mother passed away in January 2019. Julie and Craig flew into Corpus Christi a day before the funeral to spend the day with us. Who does this? Beautiful Humans that´s who. Their love and support will be forever cherished and they will be greatly missed by all.

Gary Costigan

July 1, 2025

I had the pleasure working with Craig at American Airlines, and getting together socially from time to time. Enjoyed our conversations as we had similar tastes in music, travel, and politics.

It was always nice receiving a postcard detailing his travels or what was on his mind.

He is gone too soon, and will be missed. My condolences to the family, may you have many cherished memories of your time together.

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