Kinky Friedman

1944 - 2024

Kinky Friedman obituary, 1944-2024

Kinky Friedman

1944 - 2024

BORN

1944

DIED

2024

Kinky Friedman Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jun. 27 to Jun. 28, 2024.

Kinky Friedman was a singer, humorist, columnist, and all-around provocateur who led the band The Texas Jewboys and once ran for governor of Texas.

We invite you to share condolences for Kinky Friedman in our Guest Book.

Read the full obituary in Legacy's headline news section.

(Photo: Paul Natkin/Getty Images)

Sign Kinky Friedman's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 5, 2025

PC posted to the memorial.

July 5, 2025

PC posted to the memorial.

January 19, 2025

G. S posted to the memorial.

15 Entries

PC

July 5, 2025

Left a note earlier

PC

July 5, 2025

First met him in Houston @ early 70´s KPFT benefit. I´ll miss knowing he and his sardonic wit are just over the next hill. If anyone missed it, snag a copy of Pearls in the snow. Great compilation.

THANK YA VERY MUCH"

PC

G. S

January 19, 2025

Kinky had for certain, an interesting career in song, writing, entertaining at any time! We will remember his tremendous talent and people skills. Here are words of encouragement and comfort for his grieving family: " And many who are asleep in the dust of the earth will wake up, some to everlasting life. " Dan. 12:2 Respectfully submitted with deepest condolences.

AC Cantu

July 11, 2024

When he ran for governor.

Katherine Bell

July 10, 2024

Kinky the hilarious detective novel writer was my only experience of this fabulous American character until he came to Australia introducing me to Kinky the witty Jewish cowboy songman. Kinky signed my books patiently and brought that other great Texan offbeat songman his friend Billy Joe Shaver with him to the gig, adding another wild character to my record box. These guys make our lives more bearable so we love them.

D Ryan

June 30, 2024

One of my favorite Imus guests. RIP.

Pat O´Leary Crane

June 29, 2024

I met him once in San Antonio and complimented him on one of his books that I found hysterically funny. He was a gracious person and a briilliant writer. God be with all of you, he was a wonderful gift to all of us who were exposed to his talents.

Richard Schimmel

June 29, 2024

My condolences to the Friedman family.

In 1969 Richard was my bunks´ counselor. He let me help him with the Echo Hill radio station. Oh my , it was a wonderful summer. He was definitely a unique character and his memory has always and I´m sure, will continue to make me smile.

Gods speed Kinky

Respectfully

Richard Schimmel

Linda Wynans

June 28, 2024

I remember your music so dearly. My former husband played on a few of your albums. Carry on....

Meira Yaer

June 28, 2024

I got to meet Kinky when I was a camp nurse at Echo Hill Camp. I went there as a kid and met his whole family but then had the awesome opportunity to go back as an adult and trade my nursing skills for my daughter´s camp tuition. We definitely went through some hairy times!!! On my free times we would often hang out. He would be working on his newest book, finger typing on his old typewrite, smoking his cigar and laughing to himself when he wrote something funny. He would ask me to read what he had written so far. I would get comfortable, read the latest and laugh out loud. That made him happy. My daughter and I spent two summers at Echo Hill. I cherish those memories.
My heart broke last night when I read he passed on. But when I read that all his friends and family who loved him so dearly and deeply were with him as he puffed his cigar and took his last breath, I smiled through my tears and felt deep gratitude for the times we shared. His compassion and devotion to abandoned and homeless animals was ever present. His music, his humor, his deep love for all life and his irascible and extraordinary Self will be sorely missed.
Sending my love and heartfelt condolences to all family and friends. Meira.

Lori (Cohen) Guess

June 28, 2024

In 1964 When I was 9 years old at Echo Hill Ranch (the camp "for overprivileged children") and developed a crush on Richard when he came to visit his parents, who owned the camp. What a charmer!

Ruth Ann Wiesenthal-Gold

June 28, 2024

1-2-3 How! My brother, Martin and I were devastated to learn yesterday of Kinky's death. We spent a long time reminiscing about our experiences with that wild and crazy guy, how we bought and read every book he wrote and how his writing got better and better with each novel. We laughed at his nickname for me that he used way into my adulthood. We laughed while we wept. We know what a loss it is for us, can't even begin to imagine the loss that Roger and Marci feel. We are grateful that we got to share time with such a phenomenally brilliant guy and memories of him will always be a blessing.
Ruth Ann Wiesenthal-Gold
Martin J. Wiesenthal, MD

Elizabeth Bell

June 27, 2024

RIP Kinky

Melanie Teniente

June 27, 2024

I met Kinky at the Alamo when he announced his candidacy for governor of Texas. He was so friendly and happy at 6am in the morning.
I told him I remembered him saying, "When it gets too kinky for everyone else, its getting just right for me". He smiled.
He remembered me whenever he visited in San Antonio. I worked in his campaign office and in the city.
I'm so grateful I knew him. He had a heart the size of a Great Dane.
Rest in eternal peace, real governor,
Melanie Teniente
c/s

Don Thomas

June 27, 2024

I really enjoyed sitting with Kinky on his front porch having coffee and discussing life.

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Make a Donation
in Kinky Friedman's name

How to support Kinky's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Kinky Friedman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Kinky Friedman's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 5, 2025

PC posted to the memorial.

July 5, 2025

PC posted to the memorial.

January 19, 2025

G. S posted to the memorial.