Burnal "B.R." Raymond Kunze

Burnal “BR” Kunze was born on farm in Lee County out of Giddings, Texas on the 20th of November 1933. The son of Alvina Karcher and Ernest John Kunze. He was baptized on the 2nd of December 1933, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lincoln, Texas. BR was a lifelong Missouri Synod Lutheran member.

BR went to be with the Lord on the 15th of November 2025 just shy of his 92nd birthday. BR is survived by his only son Steve and granddaughter Sarah Rudnik, her husband Mark and great-grandson Eli, all of whom he spoke of with immense pride, joy, and love.

Like his older brother Elton and sister Gladys, farming was not in BR’s blood. After graduating from Giddings High School in 1951, he moved to Houston as both of his siblings had done. In June of 1951 BR was employed by Texaco Inc., until his retirement in September of 1994. While at Texaco, BR managed their downtown public travel services center. There BR arranged annual chartered air group tours to Mexico, Europe, and Hawaii. In 1970 BR began working part time as a supervisor at the north gate main entrance of the Astrodome until 1980. Soon after his retirement from Texaco, in January of 1995, he began working as a funeral coachman for Service Corporation International until he retired from there in 2020.

While at Texaco BR was granted a military leave of absence to serve in the United States Air Force from February of 1953 until February of 1957 and was based at Burtonwood Field England. While he was there, he met, fell in love with, and then married Norma Cole in June of 1956.

God blessed BR with a long, healthy life. During his single life, BR loved going on Texas road trips, traveling to Branson, MO, local theater, watching his Astro’s, playing senior softball, and his favorite activities, going country western dancing at the San Antone Rose and polka dancing at the SPJST lodge 88. BR rose to the level of Houston Senior Softball Chapter President and was also inducted into the Texas Senior Softball Hall of Fame in 2012.

BR had a real zeal for life. He was quick to laugh, never met a stranger, was infused with infectious optimism, sense of humor, generosity, and always there for anyone in need. He was a gentle man, but firm in his beliefs.

A Memorial Service will be conducted at five o’clock in the afternoon on Monday the 22nd of December, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

Immediately following the service, all are cordially invited to gather with the family and share memories of BR during a reception in the adjacent Grand Foyer.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in memory of BR may be directed to the Lutheran Hour Ministries or with your favorite charity.