Kip Merrill Kugler's Obituary
Kip Merrill Kugler was born on October 15, 1952 in Columbus, NE to Edgar Merrill and Beverly Ann Kugler. He was the oldest of two boys and brother to Ky Kugler. He went to New Mexico State where he played baseball and was a collegiate pitcher. Following college, he went to SMU Law school and completed his Juris Doctorate (J.D.). He started a Civil Law Practice in Dallas, TX in 1978 and continued to practice law for 30 years. During this time, Kip became a husband to his beautiful wife, Linda Kugler, and shortly-thereafter, a father to three children: Michelle (1982), Christine (1984), and Chad (1986).But through the joys of his life also came many trials. Shortly after having their first born in 1982, Kip was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, and after brain operation and radiation, the doctors gave Kip two years to live and also voiced that they would no longer be able to have children. (The Lord had a more magnificent plan because they were blessed with two more children).Then in 2002, Kip had episodes of Grand Mal seizures that put him in a coma for four days. Despite these episodes he continued to lead his very successful law practice. In 2004, Kip was then diagnosed with male breast cancer and had a lumpectomy to remove the cancerous tumor. Throughout these trials the Lord continued to rain His grace and mercy upon the Kugler family as He continued to heal Kip and kept him strong enough to continue on for many years to come.As life continued, Kip suffered a broken neck and multiple neck/spine surgeries, strokes, multiple brain injuries, and broken ribs. Through each bump in the road and difficulty in Kip’s life he always kept fighting! Kip was never the person that said “poor me”. He always put on a smile, wanted a cheeseburger, and didn’t have a filter (he was always brutally honest), which always gave his family the most memorable laughs and moments.Beyond being an amazing provider and fighter for his family- he never missed an event for his kids! If they had a basketball game, dance recital, volleyball game- didn’t matter the time of day- Kip was there! There was never a doubt that Kip loved, supported, and truly admired his kids and the time he shared with them. But even more than his kids, Kip held the utmost love and respect for his bride of 40 years. There was never a question how much he loved Linda as his unconditional love for her was always evident in his words and actions.He was also an avid sports fan!! From the Texas Rangers to the Cowboys, From the Dallas Mavericks to University of Texas: he wanted to know every play.Kip’s legacy continues to live on by his wife, Linda, and three children, Michelle, Christine, and Chad. As well as his 7 grandchildren: (Michelle Sanders) Lindy, Will, and Griffin Sanders; (Christine Smith) Tyler, Halle, and Emery Smith; (Chad Kugler) and his namesake Titus Merrill Kugler. His family grieves his loss, but not as one without hope (1 Thess 4:13) and celebrate that he is running with His heavenly Father healed, whole, and free forever.A memorial service celebrating Kip will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 21, 2018 at United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N Central Expy, Richardson, TX 75080.Memorial contributions can be made in honor of Kip to the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
What’s your fondest memory of Kip?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kip?
Share a story where Kip's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kip you’ll never forget.
How did Kip make you smile?