Kevin Earl Master

Faith, hope and perseverance defined Kevin’s 31-month battle with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare liver cancer for which he had no known risk factors. He remained upbeat and optimistic throughout his cancer journey, always more concerned about how those around him were doing and looking for ways to encourage and bless his family, friends, colleagues and caretakers.

The son of John and Barbara Master, Kevin was born and raised in the Houston area. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Syracuse University, where the highlight of his college years was making the decision to follow Christ. He grew strong in his faith and biblical knowledge through discipleship with Campus Crusade for Christ.

Eager to be closer to his brother, Greg, Kevin returned to Texas and began work on his MBA at TCU, where he enjoyed being part of Christian fraternity Beta Upsilon Chi and serving as a youth group leader at nearby Glenview Baptist Church. While at TCU he also met his future bride, Rachel, with whom he shared adventures for the next 34 years.

After completing his MBA, Kevin spent a year hanging wallpaper — and sharpening his handyman skills — before joining Southwestern Bell in a management position in network operations. His 32 years at Southwestern Bell/SBC/AT&T included enriching opportunities in training and human resources roles and many special friendships. He especially enjoyed serving as director of operations for AT&T’s training center in Las Colinas and — before his recent retirement — as an HR business partner.

Their three boys have been Kevin and Rachel’s pride and joy, and they love their daughter-in-law as their own. Kevin absolutely excelled as a dad. He was especially loving, thoughtful and present, always eager to be involved in anything his boys (and then girl) took an interest in.

Kevin coached his boys’ soccer and baseball teams for years and was a mentor and encourager to many of their friends. With a giant heart for God’s people, he served as a youth Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Colleyville for 15 years and constantly sought opportunities to share the love of Christ with others.

A planner, Kevin was always looking forward to the next home, woodworking and other DIY projects and upcoming family vacations, especially trips to Disneyland and Disney World. “This ain’t no Disney” is a well-worn quote. A foodie, Kevin’s biggest fear during the pandemic was that he would catch COVID and, not get deathly ill, but lose his sense of taste.

His family is so proud of Kevin for how he bravely fought cancer with tenacity and grace. He refused to let it slow him down. Despite his ongoing battle, Kevin was determined to continue to live life to the fullest and make special memories with his family. His cancer journey included beach vacations to Cabo, Puerto Vallarta and Kauai, three wedding celebrations, three college graduations, a white coat ceremony, baseball trips with his boys to D.C., Philly and Phoenix, and college family weekends in Norman, College Station and Houston. He will be immensely missed but his family will honor his legacy by continuing to “do life” and serve Christ.

2 Timothy 4:7 exemplifies Kevin’s life: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Kevin is survived by wife Rachel Master; sons Caden Master and wife Kirsten, Jace Master and Reid Master; parents John and Barbara Master; brother and sister-in-law Greg and Louise Master; nieces and nephews Katie Tinonga Froneyberger, Matthew and Andrea Tinonga, Garrett and Lindsey Master, Grayson and Kelsey Master, and Grant Master; four great-nephews; two great-nieces; and many other special family members and friends.