Edgar Kunkel

Edgar V. Kunkel, 97, of Corpus Christi, Texas, claimed his promised home in Heaven, through faith, on Monday, April 23, 2018. A 1942 graduate of the University of Texas, Mr. Kunkel was a state licensed chemical and mechanical engineer. He began his career with Gates Rubber Company in Denver, Colorado. In 1945, he accepted employment with Celanese Corporation at their chemical plant in Bishop, Texas. In 1961, he was transferred to Celanese Technical Center in Corpus Christi. There, he established a consulting group of engineers and lab technicians to solve corrosion problems serving 40 Celanese plants throughout many countries. In mid-career, Mr. Kunkel was a technical editor for Corrosion Engineering Magazine for several years. Retiring in 1982 after 37 years with Celanese, he established his own consulting firm. September 25, 1948, Edgar married Edalene Boswell, a native of Bishop, Texas. The union continued until his death, a total of 69 years and seven months. Their four children and spouses include: Rev. Lee R. Kunkel (Deborah) of Brenham, Texas, Dr. Dale A. Kunkel (Diane) of Neosho, Missouri, Dr. Cynthia L. Scott (William) of Jackson, Mississippi, and Robert W. Kunkel (Judy) of Corpus Christi. Edgar and Edalene were blessed with ten grandchildren: Belinda, Cara, Jaron, Matthew, Lauren, Virginia, Victoria, Stephen, Emily and Kristen, as well as 15 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Edgar Kunkel served his Lord in a number of churches including St. Luke Lutheran in Olney, St. Paul Lutheran in Kingsville, St. John Lutheran in Corpus Christi, Trinity Lutheran in Corpus Christi and River Hills Baptist in Calallen. Mr. Kunkel was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Lorenz and Leonard, and sister, Mrs. Lillian Cates. The family will receive visitors at the Sawyer-George Funeral Home, 12497 Leopard Street in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Friday, April 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at River Hills Baptist Church, 16318 FM 624 in Calallen on Saturday, April 28, at 10 a.m. The committal service will follow at 11:45 a.m. at the Restland Memory Park Cemetery in Bishop, Texas, on CR 6 at CR 79A. The family is thankful for the loving care provided by The Villa Northwest, caregivers Georgette Lugo and JoAnn Hernandez and hospice nurse Ann Kingsbury. Memorials may be given to River Hills Baptist Church or a charity of one's choice.