The Reverend George Roy Kuebler

June 24, 1936 — July 05, 2024

"Well done, good and faithful servant; thou has been faithful…" Matthew 25:23

The Reverend George Roy Kuebler went peacefully to his heavenly home on July 05, 2024. Most would say it was unexpected, but when reflecting on his life, all who knew him were aware that it was only a matter of when he would ascend into Heaven following a life full of love, compassion, empathy, and laughter.

He was born June 24, 1936, in St. Louis, Missouri to George and Helen Wuest Kuebler. Despite being an only child, George made a great effort at an early age to include everyone. This belief in inclusion and involvement became the foundation for him— as well as a mantra for his life's journey.

He enjoyed remaining in St. Louis for his summers to work at sports camps and the St. Louis Municipal Opera. Even in his early career, George's love of faith, people, music, and sports was apparent, and would consistently be seen throughout the road map of his life.

George graduated from Cleveland High School in South St. Louis with a plethora of achievements. His love for music and sports developed at this time of his life: he won two consecutive State Championships in basketball and played trumpet in various school and jazz bands around the city. His dedication to the community was best shown through his service as an Eagle Scout, a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, and the Chief Editor of his school's newspaper. He had many other accolades, but perhaps the most important was George's remarkable ability: in every activity he participated in— in which there were many— he left an indelible mark on those who came in contact with him.

George went on to attend Elmhurst College and graduate with a bachelor's degree in English Literature and History. At Elmhurst, his passions for writing and service towards the community thrived. This is where he would meet his lifelong friend, the Reverend Don Kolkmeier. Little did he know how fateful and influential their friendship would be in shaping the path of his life.

A family emergency shifted George's focus towards the clergy. George's belief in God, faith, and family directed him to attend Eden Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, and graduate with a Master's of Divinity and Theology. However, his drive and lifelong curiosity didn't stop there. George would continue to also graduate with a Master's in Human Psychology from Butler University, and a Master's in Sacred Theology from the Christian Theological Seminary.

While in seminary, fate would step in again. On a blind date for coffee, George would meet the love of his life for over 60 years, Nancy Catherine Revelle, a registered nurse. The two were married and once becoming an ordained minister in 1960, his job would take the two of them from St. Louis, Missouri to Indianapolis, Indiana and Hagerstown, Indiana. Ultimately, his dear college friend the Reverend Don Kolkmeier would introduce George to the place where he'd end up making his biggest mark: the rural community of Needville, Texas. Along the way, George and Nancy Kuebler were blessed with three children.

George's passion was people. He would always remind this to those around him with his words. "For a church is not a building," he would say, "but the people and lives that come together to worship as one." When reflecting on words such as these, it is quite easy to see why George always viewed his life's calling to be a minister as more than just a job. To him, Immanuel United Church of Christ became more than just a church, and Needville became more than just a stop in his life journey. It became home.

It is here that George would go on to be the Senior Pastor at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Needville for over 25 years. Most recently, he served as Pastor Emeritus for Immanuel Evangelical Church. George's presence was felt in nearly every corner of the Needville community: the Needville Ministerial Alliance, Fort Bend Senior Citizens, Needville Youth Fair Board, emceeing the Needville Youth Fair queen's contest, Ringing the Cow Bell at all Needville Bluejay sporting events, and many, many more. Simply put, he was a constant in many people's lives.

George held leadership positions in both the Cub and Boy Scouts from Missouri to Texas. One of the achievements he was most proud of was founding Cub Pack 129, and having it sponsored by Immanuel UCC. At every opportunity he could find, George would combine his two foremost passions: his faith and his community. The dedication he showed would soon reach the Boy Scouts of America, who would award him the Silver Beaver— the highest honor in recognition of leadership and community service towards the youth.

George also loved to entertain. He was an actor and a mentor for the Nettle Creek Players, Indiana State University drama department's summer stock in Hagerstown, Indiana. His love for singing was honed as a member of the Elmhurst College Glee Club in Illinois. More than that, he held a deep appreciation for the arts and singing wherever he may be. Music was always a constant in his home. From musical numbers to hymns, Frank Sinatra to Herb Albert, Maynard Ferguson to Doc Severson; every type of music was played and performed in the Kuebler household.

As for the heads of the Kuebler household, not only were George and Nancy inseparable throughout their lives, but George's penchant for community service would be shared in both of them. Together, the couple would help to start many programs and charities from Indiana to Texas.

The couple would go on to found and serve as board members for AccessHealth; a private, not-for-profit organization and Federally Qualified Health Center, focusing on providing primary healthcare services for the low-income population of Fort Bend and Waller counties. This organization would reflect George and Nancy's compassion, as it was open to all who wished to receive care regardless of income or circumstance. The couple not only believed in equal care for all but took action to try and deliver it.

In his free time, George bowled, golfed, loved dancing at weddings with Nancy, participated in any social event, and shared moments with his friends and family, often over a deck of cards or a game with his grandsons. Besides his family and friends, his main joy in retirement was being part of the Houston Tidelanders. He thoroughly enjoyed singing barbershop and viewed this group of amazing men as another extension of his family. This included Mr. Jen Wang, who showed our father an authentic decades-long friendship of care and compassion.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife Nancy Revelle Kuebler; his parents, George and Helen Wuest Kuebler; and beloved Aunt Olga Lieder and Aunt Bert Schneider. He is survived by his children, Elizabeth Kuebler Jefferson and husband Randal, Sally Kuebler Favaloro and husband Rick, and Erick George Revelle Kuebler and wife Wendi; his adored grandchildren, William Randal Jefferson, Theodore (Teddy) Lee Jefferson, and Grayson Erick Collins Kuebler. George is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful friends who have been a part of George's life and have helped shape the amazing experience and joyful time both our father and mother had while living in Needville. We would also like to thank their amazing medical teams as well as the wonderful staff at Eagles Trace for giving him such a warm and caring welcome.

While it is difficult to define a legacy, perhaps the best way to reflect on George's would be to remember words that he would so often say to his children. "The most important thing in life is to be empathetic and to show love and grace. Try new things and don't quit. Failure is okay, and that happens, but you never know what you can do until you run through the tape."

George's legacy is seen in the way he acted towards the ones he loved, be it friends or family. Whether it be as a Father, a minister, a Tidelander, an Eagle Scout, a board member, an athlete, or a friend— George always listened. George always tried and never quit. George always ran through the tape.

We should all be proud of his legacy of empathy and kindness. But more than that, We should all be proud of George for running through the tape one final time.

To continue George's legacy of helping others and his shared belief that anything is possible; if you believe in yourself and have an education; the family has amended a perpetual scholarship fund started for our mother to include those interested in the ministry or health care profession. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Reverend George & Nancy Kuebler Memorial Scholarship fund. These donations can be sent to:

The Reverend George and Nancy Kuebler Memorial Scholarship Fund
C/O Sanders Morris 5950 Sherry Lane, Suite 470
Dallas, TX 75225

Additionally, please feel free to donate to Access Health in Fort Bend County or the Fort Bend County Senior Citizens.

Due to COVID restrictions that were occurring when our mother passed in 2020, we will celebrate both George and Nancy and their amazing lives on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 11 am at Immanuel Evangelical Church in Needville, Texas.

This service will be a time when all who loved our parents or were impacted by them will be able to share in the celebration of their lives, for a church is not the building but the people and lives that make up that group to share and worship; an extended family.

Immanuel Evangelical Church
9018 Church St.
Needville, TX 77461

"Entreat me not to leave you or to turn back from following after you. For wherever you go, I will go; wherever you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God." Ruth 1:16

Condolence messages may be written for the Kuebler family at www.garmanycarden.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 Fourth Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281) 342-4671.