Obituary of Kenneth Randall Hufstetler

Randy Hufstetler, age 63, of Pearland, Texas, sadly left us on March 17, 2024, following a long, hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born to Kenneth Ray Hufstetler and Sue Ann Hufstetler on August 26, 1960, in Texas City, Texas.

He is survived by his wife, Danette Hufstetler; daughter, Maegan Marsh and her husband, Charlie Marsh; son, Kristopher Hufstetler and his wife, Kathlyn Hufstetler; grandchildren, Chip Marsh, Kaden Hufstetler, Hartley Marsh and Kasey Hufstetler; mother, Sue Hufstetler; mother-in-law; Suzie Causey; sister, Lynn Gandy and her husband, Arnold Gandy; niece, Kim Gandy and her husband, Shawn Reagan; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Steve and DeAnn Bennett; nephews; Braeden Bennett, Shaun Bennett and his wife, Katelyn Bennett; along with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Hufstetler; father-in-law, Clyde Causey; grandparents, Otis and Gladys Carte, Grady and Nettie Mae Hufstetler; and step-grandmother, Edna Hufstetler.

Randy was born to Ken and Sue Hufstetler in 1960. When he was about 6, the family moved with his sister Lynn from LaMarque to Dickinson, where they remained for the rest of his formative years. He was a 1978 graduate of Dickinson High School and then attended Austin College in Sherman, Texas. While attending Austin College, he met Danette Causey at Glad Tidings Church, where her dad pastored. He received a Bachelor’s in Psychology in 1982 and set his sights on law school. After graduation, Randy and his bride, Danette, moved to San Antonio, where he attended and graduated from St. Mary’s Law School with a Juris Doctorate in 1985.

Randy practiced law in the Dallas area where they were blessed to welcome a daughter, Maegan and then moved to Houston where their son, Kristopher was born. He continued to practice family law, and a few years later he became the State District Judge of the 300^th District Court of Brazoria County, where he was on the bench for 24 years, retiring in 2022.

Randy graciously served his community, adored his wife, Danette, of 42 years, dearly loved and was so proud of his children, Maegan and Charlie, Kris and Kathlyn and was wild about his grandchildren, Chip and Hartley, Kaden and Kasey.

Randy loved God and serving with the people at Crosspoint Church was of vital importance to his walk of faith. His favorite verse was Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” He had a life well lived!

Randy’s legacy is his children and grandchildren. Maegan says of her dad, “I’m grateful, beyond grateful, for the wonderful life he led, the way he loved us so well, the grace he poured out to others, the intentionality he put into every action and conversation, the FUN and humor he brought to our lives, the ways he always made sure we knew he was proud of us…He was a great one. The best. And like he always said, ‘See ya, love ya, bye.’”

Kris says of his dad, “To know Dad was to know life itself. The way he lived was the blueprint. Love God. Protect the family. Love deeply. Hug tightly. Laugh daily. We love you, Dad. See ya love ya bye.”

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 6, 2024. Visitation will be held from 9:00-10:00 a.m., with the service commencing at 10:00 am, at Crosspoint Church, 1134 Old Alvin Rd., Pearland, Texas. Randy was most comfortable in his jeans, so feel free to wear yours in place of a suit or dress.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Isaiah 117 House Brazoria County. Randy made a huge impact on children throughout his life and we would like to continue that legacy.

A special thanks to our Life Group, friends and family who have stood with our family through this long journey. There are not enough words to express the amount of gratitude we feel for the love, care and support we have received.

During his successful career as an attorney and judge, Randy served in and was awarded the following:

• He maintained a faculty position in the prestigious National Family Law Trial Institute.
• Held adjunct professor positions at both Alvin Community College and The University of Houston at Clear Lake where he taught undergraduate and master’s level courses.
• Frequent speaker on custody issues, marital property issues and other family law issues at both local and state continuing education programs.
• Appointed in 2018 by former Supreme Court Justice, Eva Guzman, to the Texas Supreme Court Children’s Commission and served as Chair of the Task Force on Court-Appointed Legal Representation until December 31, 2022.

• Frequent Author/Speaker – Various Civic Clubs, Area Chambers of Commerce, Educational conferences/seminars in Law enforcement and Bar Associations, American Parole and Probation conferences, Community Service/Church events
• Brazoria County Bar Association – 1995-present – Sec/Treas 1998 – 1999, Vice-President 1999 – 2000
• Judge - Teen Court of Brazoria County – 2000 – 2008

• Board Member:

• Brazoria County Community Supervision and Corrections Department
• Brazoria County Juvenile Probation Department
• Brazoria County Bail Bond Board – 1999 – 2018

• Eagle Scout – Boy Scouts of America
• Brazoria County Women’s Bar Association – “Judge of the Year” – 2000
• Brazoria County Youth and Family Counseling Services – “Professional of the Year”     2001
• National Youth Court Center Volunteer Hall of Fame - 2003
• Nominee, Texas CASA – Judge of the Year – 2006 and 2012