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Cudd, Justin Burk (1991-2021)
Cudd, Justin Burk
Obituary
2021
Justin Burk Cudd passed away on January 17, 2021 at his home in Katy, TX at the age of 29.Justin was born on November 13, 1991 in Houston, TX to Jack (Rick) and Danette Cudd. He graduated from Katy High School in 2010 and attended University of Houston, Victoria where he played baseball. Justin was a sweet, loving son and best friend to his father and mother. We’ve lost a shining light in our lives.
Justin was an athlete at heart!! His drive and competitiveness led him to fall in love with baseball at the age of 4. Baseball was his world. He played on traveling tournament teams in elementary and junior high. He achieved a place on the All District First Team for Katy ISD in 2008 and was selected to play for Kyle Chapman Baseball, a highly recruited organization of select baseball programs. He received a partial scholarship and played ball at University of Houston, Victoria. He loved to teach his young cousin, Jakub, batting and throwing techniques. He excelled at any sport with a ball and enjoyed playing basketball and tennis. He won district champion tennis for doubles in 7th grade and singles in 8th grade. He grew up swimming and would regularly win his way into the Meet of Champs where he walked away with medals. He was a lifelong fan of the Astros and Rockets. Justin was a friend to all. His best friend summed it up “….you were there whenever I called, whether you had somewhere to be or just hanging out. You always looked out for me.” Justin surrounded himself and others with music. He had such a passion for it. He was in band in Junior High and taught himself to play keyboard as a young adult. The many sessions of Guitar Hero at Aunt Cheryl’s undoubtedly influenced his passion. Music was a window into his soul; every song was a poem; every poem was about life. He would share a YouTube link and text the lyrics with a message saying how this was such a beautiful poem. Music was a language to him. He had a love for books since childhood and absolutely cherished them. He loved to give and receive books. He has every novel and short story that Stephen King wrote. He was beginning to explore and apply Jay Shetty’s book about wisdom, inspiration, and purpose. Justin also loved to write and had started several novels over the years. The ones set at the farm are the best! His creative writing professor wanted to send him to a two-week long writer’s camp. Justin had a great sense of humor and could always make you laugh. One summer, Nana and Papa were traveling so the young cousins were on their own. It was lunch time and Wells Fargo Bank was providing a hotdog picnic lunch to members. Justin dressed up in a wig, clown glasses, and shorts with tall socks and rode the 2-seat bike with his cousins to enjoy that lunch. They took many trips on those bikes exploring downtown Katy and the parks. Cooking was an art for Justin. As a young teen, he would cook an entire meal for his grandparents or cousins’ family. He entertained the idea of opening a restaurant. He would joke that sometimes he would be in the weeds while cooking at home! He grilled the best steak! He always said the secret is, “500°, 5 minutes on each side”. Justin embraced and thrived on social interactions which made him the ideal waiter. His philosophy for work was, “I’m just gonna have fun, make everyone’s night twice as good as when they walked in, and let karma take over.” That philosophy always landed him in the top waiter category at each restaurant where he worked. He worked at Red Lobster, Roadhouse, and finally at Chili’s. When working for Roadhouse, he won the Christmas Gift Card contest. Justin’s tale of one shift captures his generous spirit, “….taught little girl how to line dance because she liked Footloose (I don’t know how to line dance)….but I went up front with her, got the host to teach me real quick (I have 2 left feet) then taught her as best as I could and did it with her. What a great moment! Exhiliarating!...I told the Hosts I was just showing someone a good time….give the guest the best experience…”. His time with the Chili’s family continued to feed his passion for people. He always had top stats because if he was not #1, he was not happy. He loved when his shift schedule included the dream team and Batman and Robin could save the day. Those were the best days! Justin is survived by his loving parents. Jack (Rick) Cudd and Danette Cudd; sister, Kayla Cudd; grandmother, Doris Bretschneider; uncle, Danny Bretschneider (Kelly); aunts, Cheryl Spivey and Sharon Cudd; cousins, J.D. Spivey IV, Stephen Spivey (Azia), Ryan Bretschneider, Michelle Young (Ryan), Jessica Carey, Macy Bretschneider-Winkler (Joe), Katelyn Spivey; Jakub (Stephen & Azia), Jax (Michelle & Ryan), and Ryker (Katelyn); Red the college cat; and numerous other family and friends. Justin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jack Cudd III, Betty Cudd, Charles Bretschneider, and cat, Tabitha. We will miss him more than words can say. “College Cat”, Red, looks for him every day. Justin was a bright, shining star in this crazy world. His sense of humor kept us all sane. Although he may no longer walk with us, his love of life will be a beacon that continues to shine and give us hope. Visitation will be Monday, January 25th, 5-7 pm at Knesek Bros. Highway 36 Funeral Chapel, 1140 Meyer Street, Sealy, TX. The funeral service will be held at Knesek Bros. Highway 36 Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, January 26th, at 11 am. Brother Mike Groseclose will be officiating, with a graveside service immediately following. The family wishes to express our deepest appreciation for the generous outpouring of love and support from family, friends, co-workers, and employers. |
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Cudd
Justin Burk
43905
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