It is with devastated, broken hearts, that we have to say goodbye way too early, to our larger than life father, husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend RANDY WAYNE HUNDL.
Born August 12, 1962 in Houston, Texas to Delphin and Estella Hundl, Randy passed away October 3, 2020, at his home in Dripping Springs, Texas. Randy grew up in Houston, attending Pilgrim Elementary School, T.H. Rogers Junior High School, and Robert E. Lee High School. He graduated from Texas State Technical Institute with and Associate Science Degree majoring in Aircraft Pilot Training (Certified Flight Instructor) which was a short-lived endeavor when he discovered he was colorblind. He changed gears and drank the Aggie Kool Aid (Much to his two Longhorn sisters’ disapproval) graduating from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Industrial Education, even though he was already full of, and had the gift of BS. With that gift and his vivacious, outgoing personality, he had a successful career as a salesman. He worked throughout college at Montgomery Ward and Foley’s selling electronics. After College he had a successful career as salesman and manager for Air Products & Chemicals, Pulse Electronics, Exar, and Max Linear, Inc. throughout the United Sates while residing in San Diego, CA and then Dripping Springs, TX. A successful career man no doubt, Oh but there is SO MUCH MORE!!
In Aggieland bonfire tradition, our Mr. Pyro had to have extra logs on any fire, firepit, or fireplace. The bigger and hotter the better. He also put on a fireworks shows for any occasion, arriving with an armload of fireworks with a very devilish grin. He would eagerly await dark, everyone lining up (far away!) and he would start his show with a resounding “Fire In The Hole”. His shows were never disappointing. Randy was also an Agriculturist/Vintner. Not only did Randy get his good looks from Grandpa Jacob Velek, but he additionally inherited Grandpa’s legacy as a bootlegger, and Grandma Albina Velek’s green thumb. He has always had a successful backyard vineyard and made his own fine wine, having his family help harvest and Marybeth being the official grape-stomper. Keeping the vineyard was quite a job, battling gophers, insects, mold and birds, but he loved the vineyard and loved keeping active with his yardwork.
Randy was a fun-loving, free-spirited, smiling proud Texas Aggie (alumnus Delta Upsilon) and a friend to all who met him. He knew no stranger and would help anyone in need. He had a big infectious smile and piercing blue eyes that drew you into him. Fellow Aggies and friends describe him as selfless, fearless, protective, and genuine. He had boundless energy and a zest for life, and lived it to the fullest. He was a strong, confident, and determined individual who left an impact on all who knew him.
Randy was a loving and caring Son, Brother, and Uncle. He always thanked his parents for all their love and support throughout the years, and for raising him “right”. He was always appreciative for all they did for him so he was able to return his support by trimming (butchering!) their oak trees, fixing plumbing issues, and knocking down pecans from the trees with a basketball for hours! Anything they needed was a quick drive or computer click away. As for those two sisters, yes, he loved them, but he was always an instigator, stirring up trouble, teasing, and just being a hellion. Randy was all about fun and adventure growing up with his sisters and neighborhood friends. We all were in constant motion either riding bicycles or mini-bikes, swimming at the local pool, or playing football on the neighborhood “island”. Of course, more fun and adventure was always waiting at both his grandparents’ farms and at our special Cousins’ homes/farms in Shiner. He couldn’t wait to go to the farms where this country boy played hard in the sandpit, stock tank, and farmhouse attic. He would always hide when it was time to leave because he did not want to leave the fun. The memories of fishing, swimming, rubber rafting and tubing at the river bring smiles to us all. He was also a tour guide extraordinaire for anyone who visited San Diego – trips to Coronado Beach, Dayna Point, Julian, Seaport Village, Temecula Valley Wine Country, Disneyworld, SeaWorld and don’t forget LEGOLAND (more fun)! As we got older, he was the ultimate entertainer, bringing or making the drinks, cooking on the smoker, telling his tall tales of the past and giving us all his best stock tips. With his influence, his nephews continue to carry on his love of Treaty Oak Rum and will never forget his advice that “it’s all about the revenue”.
Finally, as his most important role, he epitomized what it was to be a Husband and Father. He was with Marybeth for 26 wonderful years (married for 21 years). Their relationship was not only as a husband and wife, but as best friends, financial partners, and honest, dependable and loving companions. He was a supportive, devoted and loving father to his pride and joy, Connor William and Maura Eileen. He was 100% invested in their passion, often volunteering at the grill or providing food as a DS football and theatre booster. He was well-versed in football and Broadway musicals. His latest amazing accomplishment was to renovate their entire home, he doing most of the work, in preparation for retirement. Randy was the rock of the family, a true provider, and the definition of patriarch.
Randy is survived by his wife, Marybeth, children Connor and Maura. Parents Delphin and Estella Hundl. Sister Laurie Griffith (John), nephews Austin and Brian. Sister Cathy Johnson (Keith). Father-in-Law David Connor. Brother-in-law David Connor (Ann), nieces Elizabeth and Allison and nephews Matthew and Daniel. Sister-in-law Eileen Feustel (Scott) and nephews Thomas and Andrew.
With the pandemic and to enable family and friends to be able to participate in a celebration of his vibrant life, a memorial will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please toast Randy with a good glass of wine or Treaty Oak cocktail, give a big Randy-style Bear hug to family and friends, and please consider making a contribution to the following in his honor:
Hydrocephalus Association,4340 East West Highway Suite 905, Bethesda MD 20814-4447, (hydroassoc.org)
Hays County Aggie Mom’s Club, in c/o Carla Woodworth, 2099 Cornelia Trimble Way, Buda, TX 78610 (Check to Hays County Aggie Mom’s Club) This donation will support scholarships for high school students to attend Texas A&M