Eugene “Bud” Francis Kick, age 70, of Princeton, Texas, passed away on May 5, 2026. He was born on September 30, 1955, in Saint Louis, Missouri, to Eugene Francis Kick, Sr. and Dorothy Kick.
Bud was a hands-on man from the start. He began his career working with his father in their family painting business and later built a successful construction company through hard work, integrity, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
His life, however, was defined by far more than his work. Bud had a deep heart for service. He and his wife, Malinda, gave up everything to move to Africa as full time missionaries, dedicating themselves to helping others. After returning home, Bud earned his Associate Degree in Biblical Theology and went on to found Shelter Them Ministries—an organization devoted to building orphanages and offering hope and stability to children in need.
Above all, Bud was a devoted family man. He will be remembered for his warmth, quick humor, and unwavering love for those closest to him. His presence brought strength, comfort, and laughter to every room, and his legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.
Bud is survived by his loving wife, Malinda Kick; daughters Jessica Barnett (Steven), Julie Holt (Joe), Amber Cervin (Justin), Jodi Porter (Tyler), and Meghan Kick McCroskey (Torey); sons Marcus Aparicio (Renee), Cory Kick (Jessica), and Collins Mamba Kick (Fredericia); 20 grandchildren, with two on the way; one great grandchild; and his sisters, Donna Baxter (William) and Debbie Kennedy. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas. The service will be live streamed at https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/eugene-bud-francis-kick. Interment will follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park. Visitation will be held Monday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Shelter Them Ministries, continuing Bud’s lifelong mission of providing hope and care to children in need. Checks can be made to Shelter Them Ministries and mailed to PO Box 711, Princeton, Texas 75407.