Gene was born October 12, 1938 to Roscoe Kite and Nina Forbis Kite in Woodlandville, Missouri. He graduated from Hickman High School in Columbia, Missouri in 1956. Gene joined the Navy right after graduation and married the love of his life, Mary Ravenscraft on December 13, 1956 at St. Simons Island, Georgia, where he was stationed. She preceded him in death in 2010.
After the Navy they returned to Columbia where he started working for the University of Missouri in the Refrigeration and Maintenance Department in 1960. He retired from the University in 2000 as supervisor of the Maintenance Department. In their retirement, Gene and Mary enjoyed traveling around the Country. They started a jewelry making business that Gene continued after Mary's death.
Gene is survived by his two children: Cherie Rutter (Terry) of Columbia; and Alan Kite (Michael) of Las Vegas, Nevada; two grandchildren: Shawn Rutter (Dena) of Olathe, KS; Stefany Foust (Devin) of Columbia, MO; five great grandchildren: Jeff, Landon, Greyson Rutter of Olathe, KS; Sawyer and Stella Foust of Columbia. Gene is also survived by his brother Jere Vanderpool of Lee’s Summit, MO;
three nephews and their families; several cousins and many friends who loved him.
The family will hold a private graveside service in Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors and a celebration of life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a contribution to Community Hospices of America Foundation, 3050 I70 Drive SE, Columbia, MO 65201.
