Edwin Henry Gustave Kunkel

Edwin Henry Gustave Kunkel, 93, of Bynum passed away Friday, June 16, 2023, at Town Hall Estates Nursing Home in Hillsboro.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at Salem Lutheran Church in Malone with Pastor James Heiser and Pastor Anthony Oncken officiating.  Burial will follow at Salem Lutheran Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, June 19, 2023, at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro.

Edwin was born October 25, 1929, in Hill County, Texas, to Fredrick “Fritz” and Laura (Markwardt) Kunkel.  He was baptized on November 29, 1929, and confirmed on June 11, 1944.  His memory verse was John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  A very faithful and active member of Salem Lutheran Church in Malone, Edwin was a past president of its congregation and served as an Elder.  He always said that serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is what gave him his greatest joy.

On March 27, 1954, Edwin was united in marriage to Rachel McCool in Malone, Texas.  She preceded him in death on November 23, 2018.

For 25 years, he was employed with the Texas Department of Highways.  An avid gardener, Edwin enjoyed being outdoors.  He had a special place in his heart for animals and would always take in stray dogs and cats.  He loved spending time with his family and barbequing for them.  In his spare time, you could find Edwin piddling in the shop or taking a drive through the countryside.  He never met a stranger, and he never would tell you what to do but if you asked for his advice, he would help you.

Also preceding him in death were his parents; son, Wayne Kunkel; four brothers, Ewald Kunkel, Louis Kunkel, Victor Kunkel, and Wilbert Kunkel; sister, Hilda Lunsford; and a great-grandson, Corbin Campbell.

Survivors include three daughters, Kay Watson and husband, Billy Joe, Deborah McCurlie and husband, Sandy, all of Bynum, and Amelia White and husband, Chris, of Bedford; eight grandchildren, Daniel Watson and wife, Kelli, Laura Grayson, Katrina Campbell and husband, Steven, Jonathan Kunkel and wife, Dusty Kristen Goins and husband, Paul, Aaron McCurlie and wife, Rachel, George McCurlie and wife, Reagan, and Jeremy Pena; ten great-grandchildren, Kinley, Corbin, Brazos, Jozi, Kailey, Clayton, Kassidy, Brayson, Rylee, Ashlynn, Hadleigh, and Luke; and numerous nieces and nephews including, Shirley (Kunkel) Davis.

Memorials may be made to Salem Lutheran Church, 718 HCR 3424 E, Malone, TX 76660.