John L. Kuykendall

September 4, 1940 – November 23, 2012

John Kuykendall, 72, passed away on Friday, November 23, 2012, in Llano, Texas. A visitation will be held Tuesday, November 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home in Llano. A private burial service will be held at the Kuykendall Cemetery. A Celebration of Life service for John Kuykendall will be at the Lutie Watkins Memorial United Methodist Church, 800 Wright Street, Llano, at 3 p.m., Wednesday, November 28,with fellowship and refreshments to follow the service.

John was born in Temple, Texas, on September 4, 1940, to James and Zudora Kuykendall and was reared on the family ranch outside of Cherokee, Texas in San Saba County. John graduated from Cherokee High School and enrolled in Tarleton State University. He transferred to Texas A&M College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science in 1963. That same year he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Howell, on July 13, 1963. He continued his education at Texas A&M University and graduated with a Master of Science degree in Animal Science in 1965. John loved Texas A&M University and was on the wool, meats, and livestock judging teams during his time in college. Throughout his life he continued to participate in Aggie events in the community including Aggie Muster/Fish Fry, attended Texas A&M football games, and enjoyed seeing both of his children and granddaughter continue their education at his alma mater. During football season you could always see his Aggie flag flying at their family home.

John enjoyed a 31-year career with Texas AgriLife Extension Service first as an assistant agent in Jim Wells County and then for 29 years in Llano County. He was honored by Extension in November 1983 with the agency's highest award, the Superior Service Award, for his leadership throughout the county and state. In 2007, John was inducted into the Llano Hall of Fame by the Llano Chamber of Commerce and the Llano Memorial Hospital for recognition of his service to Llano County. In 2009 John won the Cowboy of the Year Award from the Hill Country Livestock Raisers Association. He especially had a tender place in his heart for the 4-H and Youth Development program. He enjoyed helping youth purchase animal projects, clip and trim animals for show, and coached numerous state winning livestock judging teams. John and Patty were recognized with the Friend of 4-H Award in 2009 for their lifetime commitment to the 4-H and Youth Development Program.

Upon his retirement in 1995, John returned to carry on the work at Kuykendall Hereford Ranch, a ranch that has been in his family since 1878. It was a thrill for him that Kuykendall Ranch was designated as a Texas Century Ranch by the Texas Department of Agriculture and he loved sharing the family heritage and ranch history with family and friends.

John and Patty Kuykendall are devout Christians. John served the Lord and his church as a member, deacon, and Bible school teacher at the Church of Christ in Llano and Cherokee.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Patty Kuykendall; daughter, Lisa Whittlesey and husband Randel of College Station, Texas; son, Jeff and wife Veronica of Llano; grandchildren, Taylor Whittlesey, Cole Whittlesey, Case Kuykendall, Carson Kuykendall, Sydney Kuykendall and Harper Kuykendall; brother, Lovell Kuykendall and wife Sandra of Cherokee, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephew, and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to:
Cherokee Church of Christ, Cherokee Children's Home, Llano County 4-H Program