Wayne K. Kitchel

Wayne K. Kitchel passed away peacefully on January 19th, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. Devoted, loving and proud husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, golf buddy and friend to many who are left to mourn his passing. Wayne was born in Tulsa, OK on July 12, 1933 to parents Kenneth K. and Vera Jane Kitchel, both of whom preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by nephews Kevin & Kyle Kitchel. Wayne graduated from Robert E. Lee High School of Baytown in 1951. He attended Texas A&M University and graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1955. In his heart, forever an Eagle Scout, he served his country with pride as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Wayne was honorably discharged from active duty in 1958 and came home to work in Baytown where he met the love of his life, Yvonne Milner. Wayne and Yvonne were married on October 22, 1960 at Memorial Baptist Church in Baytown and were inseparable until he passed away. They were 45 year residents of Friendswood, Texas where they raised their children. They gloriously celebrated their 54th Anniversary this past October. Wayne retired from Texas Petrochemical in 1999 after 38 years of service. Yvonne and Wayne had a rare and deep love for each other and God blessed them with three wonderful children. Wayne's children & grandchildren were his life, and together with Yvonne they raised, supported and educated them to set them on their way. He was happiest in the company of his wife, children, grandchildren, family and many cherished friends. He especially enjoyed golf, fishing, hunting and the great outdoors.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Yvonne, children and grandchildren. His children and their spouses are daughter Kim Kitchel Banker and husband Bryan of Sugar Land, son Larry Kitchel and wife Nancy of Galveston, son Jon Kitchel and wife Angela of Friendswood. Grandchildren Blair and Kyle Banker, Cole and Claire Kitchel, Emma and Jackson Wayne Kitchel will each miss their Granddaddy. Wayne is also survived by brother and sister-in-law Kenny and Ann Kitchel of Kerrville and sisters-in-law Dianne (Brizzolara) Milner and Jerri Milner Copeland and husband Calvin of Baytown, many precious nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews.

Wayne knew the value of honor, commitment, integrity and loyalty. He was a man of quiet strength who led by example. Visitation will be held at Navarre Funeral Home in Baytown at Noon on Thursday, January 22nd with services following at 1pm with Dr. Ken Shuman officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Memory Gardens in Baytown.

Serving as pallbearers will be grandsons Kyle Banker, Cole Kitchel, Jackson Kitchel; nephews William Brizzolara, Raif Brizzolara, Joel Copeland, Jake LeBlanc and Steven Klose; great-nephews Nathan LeBlanc, Zachary LeBlanc and Carson Klose. Honorary pallbearers are special cousin Gayle Tilton, nieces Melissa LeBlanc and Jennifer Klose, great-nieces Hannah LeBlanc and Kayla Klose.

The family gives special thanks to Gabriel De Leon for his loyal service to Wayne as his personal aide for the past several years. Wayne was noble hearted and was there for us every step of the way, steadfast in his love, teaching us, counseling us and guiding us and will be sorely missed.

In lieu of usual remembrances, contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675, www.woundedwarriorproject.org or the charity of your choice.

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.