Curtis Michael Kuykendall

Curtis Michael Kuykendall, known by all as Mike, passed away on September 3, 2025, at the age of 71 in Longview, Texas. Born on April 9, 1954, in Gilmer, Texas, to Curtis Edward Kuykendall and Minnie Belle Townlin Kuykendall, Mike grew up in Harleton and graduated from Harleton High School.

Mike began his career as a plant clerk with Sinclair Oil and Gas while attending Kilgore College. Over the decades, he became a leader in measurement and automation, working at the same gas plant for 50 years. He enjoyed working alongside lifelong friends—including his high school classmate, dear friend, and cousin-in-law Mike Alford. His love of problem-solving and technology carried beyond work, and he was always quick to lend his expertise and a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

Mike met the love of his life, Jana Renee Cowger, after fate and Corvettes brought them together. They married in 1980 and enjoyed many adventures before welcoming their daughter, Kortnee Rae, in 1988. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter.

Mike adored his family. He was a devoted husband to Jana, a proud father to Kortnee, and a beloved “Poppy” to his grandchildren James, Emery, Elyse, and Jack Schubert. He welcomed his son-in-law Kyle as his own, not only as family but as a true partner and friend, working side by side for 15 years at the gas plant and sharing countless “redneck nerd” projects.

A man of deep generosity, Mike believed that giving was something to be woven into everyday life—quiet, thoughtful, and from the heart. He valued honesty and integrity above all else, a legacy passed from his father, and he made sure to instill those same values in his daughter and grandchildren.

Those who knew Mike will remember his quick wit, his vocabulary that could stump you, his hugs that could steady you, and his unwavering kindness. He taught others to love without prejudice, to keep their word, and to give generously.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Curtis Edward and Minnie Belle Kuykendall, sisters Carole Oehmoke and Beverly Jones, and his wife, Jana. He is survived by his daughter, Kortnee Schubert, and her husband, Kyle; grandchildren James, Emery, Elyse, and Jack; sister Elaine Jones; niece Johnette Tyler and husband Kraig; nephew Chris Cooner and wife Trina; great-nieces Kassity Tyler and Dana Sellers; great-nephew Ethan Cooner; and many other extended family members and friends who adored him.

A visitation will be held in Longview, Tx at Lakeview Funeral Home on Monday, September 8, from 6pm to 8pm with a service to celebrate Mike’s life on September 9 at HighRidge Church Longview at 2:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Spring Hill Primary Library.