Orvil Victor Kimball

Orvil Victor Kimball (O.V.) passed peacefully from this life on May 19, 2015, at Kirkwood Manor in New Braunfels, Texas. He was born on August 19, 1926 in DeQuincy, Louisiana, where he and his brother James enjoyed life on the family’s dairy farm. Upon high school graduation in 1943, he joined the Navy to be a part of the efforts in WWII. He trained in Corpus Christi and at the Naval Auxiliary Air Station, Kingsville, TX; and was stationed at Coronado and Oceanside, CA, before sailing for Japan with the invasion force on the USS President Monroe in July, 1945. During the voyage, his ship was presumed and reported lost in a typhoon off the coast of Okinawa, but actually survived. After the Japanese surrender, he remained in Sasebo, near Nagasaki, Japan for 7 months during the initial occupation and rebuilding effort.

Upon discharge from the Navy, he returned home to his “girl next door” Marian LeBlanc (who actually lived two doors down from the Kimballs) and they were married on May 19, 1948, in DeQuincy. He worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad and American National Insurance Company in Lake Charles and Galveston and in 1956, moved the family to LaMarque, Texas. He joined Union Carbide later that year and retired as Chief Operator after 35 years in 1991, when he and Marian moved to New Braunfels, TX.

O.V. enjoyed his retirement years, spending time with grandkids and the camaraderie of friends in the “Do Nothing” Club, the Whittling (woodworking) Club, and the Knights of Columbus where he was a Grand Knight of Council 4183 and 4th Degree Assembly Team #1791, Faithful Navigator and District Deputy. He also served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, visiting nursing homes and the sick. He was a life-time member of VFW Post #6378 in Dickenson, TX and the NRA.

O.V. was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey Miles Kimball and Fannie S. (Morgan) Kimball, and his cherished brother, Rev. James B. Kimball of Alexandria, LA. He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Marian Theresa LeBlanc, son Steve and wife Jackie of Montgomery, TX, son Vic, Jr. and wife Judy of Friendswood, TX, daughter Teri Taylor and husband David of New Braunfels; grandchildren and family, Casey and wife Laura of Orange, TX, Carla Isaac and husband Greg of the Woodlands, TX, KellyAnn Kimball of Montgomery, Lauren Lee of Dallas, Staci Perkins and husband Jeff of San Marcos, TX, Julie and husband Rob Franklin of Austin, Jeff Kimball of Friendswood, TX, Greg Kimball, and wife Alana of Kapolei, Hawaii, Laci-Leigh Jensen and husband Billy of New Braunfels, Jett Taylor and wife Alison of Chicago, Illinois, 19 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters and brothers-in-law, all of whom will greatly miss his wonderful sense of humor, love and presence.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Kirkwood Manor for their gentle care and attention, as well as that of Dr. Warren Albrecht and Dr. Stephen Carey.

The family requests that any memorials be made to Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, New Braunfels, TX or The Wounded Warriors Project, 12672 Silicon Drive, Suite 105 San Antonio, TX. 78249.

A visitation will be held at Zoeller Funeral Home Tuesday, May 26, 2015 from 5:00-9:00pm with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 10:00am; with entombment to follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery.