Benny Lee Kirkendoll

Benny Lee Kirkendoll of Austin, Texas passed away on May 24, 2025, at the age of 94. He was born on July 28, 1930, in Tyler, Texas, where he grew up with his older sister, Gussie Earlene, and younger brothers Donald Ray and Bobby Dean. Benny’s childhood in Tyler was a very simple one and one that offered few luxuries, as the country was in the throes of the Great Depression for much of his younger years.

Because they did not own a car in his early years, a trip into town to pick up groceries, cattle and chicken feed, kerosene, candles, etc. were made in a horse or mule drawn wagon and parked at the “wagon-yard.” However, there was a treat waiting for them as most of these trips included a burger and a coke at Kamel’s Kandy Kitchen on the Court House Square. The cost of the burger and coke was less than a dime and was the delicacy of the day.

Trips to the nearby woods with friends were a regular activity that included building tree houses, watching and catching fish in the creeks, learning about raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, deer and all sorts of other wildlife, and of course damming up the creek to make their own swimming hole. Membership was limited to boys only and never included venturing into the woods after dark.

Despite the financial struggles and limited luxuries growing up Benny learned important life lessons that served him well as he entered adulthood.

Before continuing his education at the University of Texas in Austin, he served four years in the US Navy from 1950 to 1954 during the Korean War. He was very proud of his military service and being recognized as an armed forces veteran.

He worked as an auditor for the State of Texas for over 35 years. His time as a state auditor included a lot of travel and time away from the family during the week. Often his family would travel to his auditing location to spend the weekend with him. He was highly regarded in his field and was a mentor for many beginning their career in the State Auditor’s office.

Benny was passionate about his music and loved listening to the Big Band genre especially Glenn Miller. However, in his later years he became a big fan of the Eagles and always wanted to attend one of their concerts. It was very rare to enter Benny’s home when he was not enjoying music from his comfy recliner as the music resonated throughout the house.

Another equally passionate activity was supporting his beloved Texas Longhorns. Benny and Merry, his wife for over 60 years, were University of Texas football season ticket holders for 35+ years. He was also a founding member of the Longhorn Foundation. Annual trips to Dallas for the Texas vs OU game provided many fond memories as well and always included a Fletchers Corn Dog while enjoying the State Fair following the game.

Last, but certainly not least, was his passion for travel. Especially his annual road trips that would typically last a couple of weeks and cover several thousand miles. These road trips ultimately included a visit to every state except two. One year he and Merry drove to Seattle, took a car ferry to Alaska and then, after exploring Alaska, drove back to Austin. When asked if he would attempt such a trip again, he was quick to reply, “in a second!” What’s even more amazing was his ability to recall the details of every trip even up to his last days.

He is preceded in death by his wife Merry Kirkendoll, mom Rosa Lee Eggleston Kirkendoll, dad Ben Long Kirkendoll, sister Gussie Earlene Borden, brothers Donald Ray and Bobby Dean Kirkendoll.

He is survived by his daughter Donna Wells, son-in-law Kevin and granddaughter Lindsay Wells and his son Kevin Kirkendoll, fiancée Carmela Gillenwater, granddaughter Jessica Hawley, husband Tim and great grandkids Avery, Nora and Coy Hawley, grandson Evan Berdis, wife Mellisa and great-grandchild Oliver Berdis, grandson Blasé Berdis, wife Terri, and great-grandkids Townes and Colie Berdis, granddaughter Lacey McCombs, great-grandkids Peyton and Brody McCombs.

The family would like to thank Brookdale Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center in Lakeway and St. David’s Hospice and Family Care for the care and compassion they showed our loved one in his final days. The love, caring and passion for their patients and work is evident throughout the entire staff.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life service on June 6, 2025, at 11:00 am, at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 411 Ranch Road 620 South, Lakeway, TX 78734. Visitation with the family will be held the evening prior to the service, June 5, 2025, from 4:00 – 8:00 pm at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Interment will follow the service at Hoover’s Valley Cemetery, 7650 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611. The cemetery is about an hour’s drive from the funeral services.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his honor to Hoover’s Valley Cemetery Association, c/o Jeanie Holloway, 7425 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611.