Page 34 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2024 - Online Magazine

LOCAL LEGENDS
to emcee a show at the theater
before he began anchoring the
news at KLBK. That was the first
time he met Don Caldwell, and it
absolutely changed his life. Don
became a terrific friend, a valued
mentor, and a true confidante
whom Kurt misses daily. He
continued as an emcee and then
began acting in various skits. That
led to his performing in many
plays, often with Jane Prince
Jones. He says she is the most
talented lady he has ever had the
opportunity to be on stage with
and considered it a feather in
his cap when he could make her
break character and laugh. Kurtina
Kiser was born when, a few years
ago, Kurt was asked to dress as a
woman and perform “Santa Baby”
in the Cactus Theater Christmas
show. He says one must be a true
man to put a dress on, along with
fishnet stockings, high heels, and a
blonde wig!
34 Lubbock Senior Link
A lot of Kurt’s life philosophy however, it was not home. He
came from his dad, whom he is missed Lubbock and was very
very close to. Bob taught him to be excited to move back in June of
positive, no matter the situation; this year to return to work at Fox
to learn from his mistakes; and to 34 in the sales department and
always strive to do his best. He marry the love of his life, Carolyn.
is inspired every day by people She is a retired nurse and now the
who overcome obstacles, and Kurt chaplain for Traditions Hospice.
has had his share of challenges. He says she makes him a better
He was “best friends with Jack man every day and has taught him
Daniels,” but on Halloween 2024 so much about life; he loves going
will celebrate 17 years of sobriety. through life with her.
That is the second-best decision he Kurt is blessed with a great
has ever made in his life. The best family: his father, Bob; twin
decision was when he accepted the boys, Jason and Chris, who are
Lord Jesus Christ as his savior. As 40 years old; and his youngest
for the drinking, he tells people he son, Colton, who is 26. He also
didn’t go to AA, he went to G-O-D. has three granddaughters and a
The Lord helped him through the baby grandson who affectionately
struggles with alcohol and then, six calls him KuKu. His marriage
years ago, helped him through his to Carolyn increased his family.
battle with kidney cancer. His left Now he has a new daughter and
kidney was removed, and he then son-in-law. Callie and Chad live
began rounds of chemotherapy. in Lubbock, along with their
Kurt found out what it was like young daughters, Harlin and
to be bald and says he was not a Quinn. Carolyn also has a son
good-looking bald man. But there Cody who lives in Idaho. Kurt
were so many positive things feels it has been wonderful having
that arose from having cancer. He granddaughters in the same town.
learned that God walks us through
any struggle or challenge and As a longtime local news anchor,
teaches huge lessons from it. That’s Kurt Kiser is a household name
why his life verse is Romans 8:28. in the 806. He has numerous
“All things work together for good fans at the Cactus and countless
to those who love the Lord and are friends in the community. He has
called according to his purpose.” survived cancer and alcoholism.
His humility, positive outlook, and
Kurt moved away from Lubbock sense of humor are just a few of
for a year and a half to follow his the attributes that qualify him as
dad, who moved in with Kurt’s legendary in Lubbock.
sister in McKinney. He enjoyed
his time in McKinney very much
and made many great friends;