Sonny McCuistion passed away peacefully in his sleep in hospice care in Patagonia.
He was born in Wimberley, TX to Beatrice George McCuistion and Neal Day McCuistion. After high school, he left for the navy and served during WWII. He returned and married Peg Orem McCuistion in 1949. He worked as a brand inspector for Southwest Cattle Raisers Association in Paris, TX before moving to Pasadena, TX to work for the Harris County Sheriff’s Dept. After his divorce from his first wife, he moved to Arizona where he remained for the rest of his life doing what he loved, cattle ranching. He loved his cattle, his horses and his dogs and he always took good care of his land.
He met his second wife, Ann (Nancy) Hunt McCuistion, in Southern Arizona. They were married for over 35 years. Sonny worked as a cowboy for the Vail family on the Empire Ranch and on their ranch on Santa Rosa Island in California. He also worked on the San Antonio Ranch in Patagonia, before taking on the job of ranch manager for Kerr McGee Mining in the Red Mountain area, eventually gaining ownership of some of the Kerr McGee land. He and Nancy named their ranch the Brush Hill Ranch.
“He was loved so dearly,” Chris Peterson, his close friend and fellow rancher, said. “He was one of the kindest, most passionate people I’ve ever known. He and JPS Brown were dear friends. They called themselves men ‘of a different breed.’ They were both true to their work and loved the lifestyle of a cattleman.” Sonny was a caring person. “He was a real gentleman,” Peterson said. “Though in hospice for 4 1/2 years, it was often said he did more for the hospice group than they did for him!”
Sonny is predeceased by his wife Nancy McCuistion; his parents; his Uncle Luis McCuistion, (Lizzie); his Aunt Maude McCuistion Hunt; and his cousin Pam Harris (Tim). He is survived by daughter, Lee McCuistion.
His ashes are interred next to his mother in the Wimberley Cemetery. Any donation in his name may be made to Chapel in the Hills, 14601 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley, TX 78676
God Hears Cowboy Prayers
by Chris Peterson
There’s always a chance to pray
As one rides with the herd
Smiling at what the cows will say
As one listens for the words
In the silence of the ride
Grows the beauty of what he’s sown
Knowing God is at his side
Reaffirming what he’s known
Sitting in his saddle tall
Proud of the work he’d done
Letting out his cattle call
Now’s the time to have some fun
This cowboy rode his land
Till the time he was to rest
Then God held out his hand
For a cowboy who’s done his best