Marshall Early Kuykendall

He was born October 13, 1932, in Austin, Texas. He was 92 years old and had an amazing life. He was a distinguished ranch broker, historian, educator, and master story teller. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and loyal friend who leaves a lasting impact on Texas' land brokerage industry and historical scholarship.

Raised on the 11,000-acre Kuykendall 101 Ranch near Buda, Texas, his early life was rooted in ranching traditions. His parents, Alice Hamlett and Wiley Moore "Bill" Kuykendall, nurtured his connection to the land and its history, instilling in him a profound appreciation for the ranching way of life and the stories tied to it.

In the early 90s, Marshall became a key figure in a movement that united ranchers, farmers, and property rights advocates in opposition to federal land regulations. This work led to the creation of the Texas Alliance of Land Brokers (TALB) in 1994, with Marshall serving as its first president. Under his leadership, TALB grew into a leading organization for rural land brokers, promoting high professional standards and advocating for property rights. This week a new annual award was named for Marshall and was presented at their Christmas Party in Fredericksburg. He would have loved that.

Marshall was a proud member of the Old 300, comprised of descendants of the settlers who received land grants in Stephen F. Austin’s first colony in Texas. He was a dedicated historian and accomplished author whose works celebrated Texas history and his personal ties to the land. This included stories of the Kuykendall family’s journey from the Netherlands to Texas and their contributions to its early settlement. Also, life on the ranch as a boy.

He was an avid collector of Winchester rifles and other collectable guns – some he kept for a short while and others he had his entire life. He cherished his treks to Santa Fe each summer with Betty to “cool off and smell the pinon and chiles”, enjoying a margarita and bowl of Bob’s at Matt’s El Rancho, mornings with his coffee group at Thyme & Dough in Dripping, an afternoon cocktail on the patio with Betty and his faithful companion, Tuffy the cat, taking the grandkids on a historical tour (that he called “hysterical tours”) of cemeteries and other significant Kuykendall sites, or exploring this great state that he loved.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Betty Kuykendall, and his children: Marshall Kuykendall Jr., Mary Alice Kuykendall, and Sarita Bay (John). Grandchildren, Jennie Bryant, Wylie Kuykendall, Catherine Kuykendall, and Haley Naiser, along with stepchildren Kimberly Mielcarek and Matthew Mielcarek. Also, brother Gil Kuykendall, all who will forever cherish his memory.

Marshall's warmth, integrity, and dedication to Texas's heritage have left an enduring legacy. His contributions as a gentleman, scholar, and advocate for the land will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“It’s not the end of the trail for me. I’ve just traveled on, you see. Up ahead where greener pastures grow and cool water streams dance as they flow.”

A memorial service for Marshall will be held Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, TX 78731.

A scholarship fund has been established in Marshall's name with the Texas Alliance of Land Brokers. Checks can be made payable to TALB, with Marshall's name in the memo.

Mail to:

TALB

PO Box 342

Mt. Home, TX 78058