John Lee Kilson

As a career, John chose the culinary arts and studied at Le Cordon Blu in Dallas Texas. After graduation, John began working as a cook for several Dallas restaurants. It was at one particular restaurant where John met the love of his life.

It was 1960 when John worked as a Broiler Chef for Caldman's Steak House in Dallas where Vivian was newly hired as a wine server. John took one look at Vivian and proclaimed that Vivian was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and she would be his future wife.

John married Vivian Purtle on January 21, 1963 and along with her four children Diane, Ricky, Monette and Sterling, sired Felicia, Cynthia, John Jr. while in Texas and Jacquelyn,Kilson once John and Vivian moved to California.

While in California John cooked for the Beverly Hills Hotel, Le Fete, Lowery's and he retired after 20 years from the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department in which he cooked for Sheriff Lee Baca.

John was associated with The Lighthouse Ministry, Agape

Community Church, The Good News Ministry, where he became a

Deacon, and as a faithful member of the Bible Way where once

• again he proudly earned the title of Deacon.

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On June 19, 2017 John Lee Kilson was called home to be with the Lord.

Those who proceeded him in death are: His wife Vivian Kilson, Brothers: William Kilson, Walter Kilson, Henry Kilson, Lonzo Kilson, Sisters: Gracie Winfield Kilson, Alberta Kilson, Betty Ann Bradford Kilson, and several step-brotheres and sisters. Step-children: Diane Alford, Sterling Alford and Monette Alford.

John is survived by his brothers: Robert Kilson and his wife Jearlene Kilson, Riley Kilson and his wife Gloria Kilson. His sister: Barbara Gene Kilson. His son from his first marriage Wilbur Kilson and step-son Rickey Alford. His children Felicia Berry, Cynthia Nelson, John Kilson Jr. and Jacquelyn Kilson. Grandchildren: Denise LaTonya Dillard, Darsay Barnwell, Erica Moore, Asia and Eris Nelson, Monette Johnson, Styles Johnson, Dante and Ckneethia Carroll, Elijah Morgan, Jonathan Kilson, Jordan Kilson, Naomi Kilson, Joshua Kilson, and Breanna Jovan. 23 Great Grandchildren and one Great Great Grandchild. A host of Nieces and Nephews, In-laws, and many other relatives and friends.