Lovell Kuykendall '60 August 23, 2024 4:14 PM updated: August 23, 2024 4:24 PM
Lovell Wilford Kuykendall
July 27, 1937 - June 27, 2024
Lovell Kuykendall passed away on Thursday, June 27 2024, one month shy of his 87th birthday, at his home, in Cherokee, TX. A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at the Cherokee Baptist Church in Cherokee, TX. The family will receive guests from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. prior to the memorial service. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home in San Saba.
Lovell was born in Temple, Texas on July 27, 1937 to James and Zudora Kuykendall and was raised on the family ranch in Cherokee, Texas. After graduating from Cherokee High School, Lovell continued his education at Texas A&M University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1960. Shortly after graduation he married Sandra Jones on July 30, 1960.
While at A&M, Lovell was president of the Saddle and Sirloin Club and was a member of at the 1959 National Championship Livestock Judging Team. He was a proud alumni and loved all things Aggie. Throughout his life he followed Aggie athletics, particularly football games, always watching to the bitter end.
Lovell started his working career as a county agent in Howard County and then McCulloch County. In 1965 he moved to Kansas City to work for the American Hereford Association wearing many titles during his 35 year career. Each position he held benefited from his knowledge, dedication and passion of the Hereford breed. He was quoted “if I wasn’t raising Herefords the past 35 years, then I can’t think of any place I’d rather be than working with the people promoting the breed”. He retired in July of 2000. In 2010 Lovell was inducted into the American Hereford Association Hall of Merit for his contributions to the Hereford industry.
Shortly after retiring, Lovell and Sandy moved back to Texas and built a home on the family ranch in Cherokee that has been in the Kuykendall family since 1878. He could not have been happier to be back in Texas to carry on the work at the ranch with his brother John. Lovell and Sandy spent many happy years at the ranch, making wonderful friends and loved being part of the community. Lovell loved nothing more than to give ranch tours and share the ranch history with family and friends. The Kuykendall ranch was designated as a Texas Century Ranch by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sandy Kuykendall; Son, Jim Kuykendall of Lake Placid, NY; Daughters, Karen Blanco and husband Luis of Austin TX, Donna Stewart and husband Darin of Olathe, KS; Grandchildren, Clay Stewart and wife Elle, Alyson Stewart and fiancé Will, Kyle Blanco; Great Grandchildren; Lewie and Norman Stewart; Sister-in-law, Patty Kuykendall; Niece, Lisa Whittlesey and husband Randel; Nephew, Jeff Kuykendall and wife Veronica; Great Nieces and Nephews, Taylor, Cole, Case, Carson, Sydney and Harper and many dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to:
Cherokee Baptist Church - 102 Aztec St. Cherokee, TX 76832; Cherokee Children’s Home - P.O. Box 295 Cherokee, TX 76832; or Llano County 4-H Program - 1447 E. Hwy. 71, Unit E, Llano, TX 78643
Condolences can also be may be made at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com