William Larkin "W.L." Kivett

William Larkin “W.L.” Kivett passed away on March 8, 2015 at the age of 91. Like so many among the Greatest Generation, he exemplified faithful duty to God, his family and country in the life he lived and the manner in which he lived it.

He was born on April 5, 1923 and joined the United States Army Air Force at the age of 19. He served his country with honor during World War II as a B-24 “Liberator” tail gunner in the 409th Squadron, 93rd Bombardment Group. Among his service achievements, he completed 30 bombing missions over enemy territory, including the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. In recognition of his heroic service, W.L. was a recipient of several service metals including three

Bronze Stars and Distinguished Flying Cross.

Following his military service, he owned and operated Kivett Auto Service until 1966. He then worked at Liberty Farm and Garden and Southern States in Siler City.

He retired at the youthful age of 83 as manager of the ABC Store in Liberty. In retirement, his “hobby”

became bookkeeping for Kivett’s Welding Service, which he did until he was 88 years old.

Strong-willed and yet equally tenderhearted, W.L. was always engaging in spirited discussions of current events, economics and politics. Even in the last few years as his body lost its strength, his mind and witty personality remained as sharp as ever.

In addition to his parents, William Otis Kivett and Grace Langley Kivett, W.L. is preceded in death by his wife, Doris Moffitt Kivett, whom he was faithfully devoted to for 66 years.

He is survived by daughters, Barbara Kivett Wall (Marvin) of Staley and Susan Kivett of Liberty; sons, Kenneth Kivett (Barbara) of Liberty,

and William “Rascal” Kivett (Gloria) of Liberty; six grandchildren; one

great-granddaughter; and one great-great-grandson, and sister Marie Kivett Isley.

A graveside service with fully military honors will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at 11:00 am at Gilmore Memorial Park in Julian, N.C. with Pastor Lorrel Strom-Jenson officiating.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at Loflin Funeral Home from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grace Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 1166, Liberty, N.C. 27298 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Alamance-Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, N.C. 27215.

Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.LoflinFH.com.

Loflin Funeral Home in Liberty is honored to serve the Kivett Family.