Steve R. Kinkel

Steve Kinkel, 60, died on August 21, 2013 doing what he loved on beautiful Highway 1 in California with his friends of Rumble Against Cancer.He was born November 25, 1952 in Dallas, Texas.He grew up spending his summers on Possum Kingdom Lake and had a deer lease there for 31 years.He was a veteran of the Texas Air National Guard 254th Combat Communications Group with 9 years of service.He started his own business, Kinkel Electric, Inc., in 1980. Steve and Sharon were high school sweethearts and married in 1973.Together they had three children:Thad, Ashlee, and Case.They resided in Sunnyvale, Texas for the last 22 years.Many friends enjoyed the fruits of his labor through his salsas, jams, wines, and beer.His world-famous brisket was restaurant worthy.His chicken potpie and latest creation, homemade ice cream, were made with love and unforgettable when tasted. Steve had the largest heart.He was generous with his time and his skills, giving advice or just taking care of his friends and family in their time of need.He was a master of all trades:electrician, welder, carpenter, gardener; the list of all his talents can't be named. His rifle shots at the deer lease are legendary.He loved being outdoors.Steve bought his first Harley in 2012 after following the Soggy Bottom Boys on many rides in a truck and just could not stand being in a cage.He said many times that when he was called home he hoped it would be while having a blast riding. Steve was a three-time survivor of cancer.He was a founding member of Rumble Against Cancer.His story has and will continue to give hope to those touched by cancer.Steve believed that being a Rumble Rider may just be why he was still alive and it was his mission to show others there is hope. Steve was a man who loved life and it showed.He cherished his family and made it known that he loved them.He was proud to be called Friend, Husband, Daddy, and Granddaddy.When you think of your favorite memory of Steve, you'll remember him with the biggest smile.His is a life that everyone should admire and because of it, those who came in contact with him left a better person. His son, Thad, and his mother and father precede him in death.He is survived by his wife Sharon; his daughter Ashlee Rinestine, her husband Ian and his grandson William; his son Case Kinkel, his wife Kelly and his granddaughter Avery; his brother Luke Kinkel and Joe Kinkel; his sister Debbie Wilhite; his mother Lynn Kinkel; three dogs, many nieces and nephews and innumerable amount of friends. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you make contributions to Rumble Against Cancer.www.rumbleagainstcancer.org "It is not the length of life, but the depth of life." - Ralph Waldo Emerson