Herbert Patrick Kilday Jr.

Pat was born on November 16, 1944, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Hebert Patrick Kilday Sr. and Frances Mabel Adams Kilday. He spent his childhood in the New Orleans home where many of his earliest memories were made.

On February 27, 1965, Pat married the love of his life, Elaine Gayle Brown, in New Orleans. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and devotion to one another. They raised three daughters, built and remodeled homes, and created a household filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.

After briefly attending Louisiana State University (LSU), Pat answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the Army National Guard. He proudly served in both the Army National Guard and the United States Army Reserve. His military records reflect service with Unit 20 of the Special Forces Group, commonly known as the Green Berets, and he was also Airborne qualified. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. These accomplishments reflected the discipline, courage, and quiet strength that defined his life.

Following his military service, Pat returned to Avondale Shipyard in New Orleans, where he had previously worked, before beginning a long career with Fluor Ocean Services in Houston, where he served as an Offshore Structural Designer until retirement. Known for his strong work ethic, technical expertise, and problem-solving abilities, he earned the respect of colleagues throughout his career.

While Pat's professional accomplishments were significant, his greatest pride was always his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and "PaPa" whose love was shown through his steady presence, sacrifice, and example. His family never questioned where they stood with him; they knew they were loved, protected, and provided for.

When Elaine passed away in 2010, Pat lost his greatest companion, but his love for her never wavered. He remained in the home they built together and never remarried, carrying her memory with him for the rest of his life. His heart always belonged to Elaine.

Pat was a quiet man whose life reflected strength, integrity, humility, and resilience. He believed in doing things the right way, keeping his word, working hard, and caring for his family. He found joy in woodworking, fitness, firearms, classic rock, old westerns, crawfish boils with family, fresh oysters on the half shell, and trips to the beach with his daughters and grandchildren.

Those who knew Pat will remember a man whose character spoke louder than words. He was dependable, humble, and steady in difficult times. To his grandchildren, he was a source of wisdom, strength, and unconditional love. Whether offering advice, teaching

them how to fry a turkey and make his magic seasoning, (The Stuff), helping with school projects, or simply leading by example, he left a mark on their lives that will never fade.

Pat was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elaine Gayle Kilday; his parents, Hebert Patrick Kilday Sr. and Frances Mabel Adams Kilday; his sisters, Mary Jane and Carol Ann; and his brother, Jimmy.

He is survived by his daughters, Brenda Kilday Jamison and husband Mike Jamison; Claudia Denise Lynch and husband Tom Lynch; and Courtney “Monique” Kilday Bartley and husband Dave Bartley.

He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Sidney Wells and husband Sam, Cole Jamison and wife Annie, Cathryn Beeson-Lynch, MacKenzie Lynch, Ashley Lynch, Colum Lynch, Aidan Lynch, Nora Lynch, Nathan Davis and wife Dany, Micah Davis, Piper Davis, Phoebe Bartley, Juvai Bartley, Jenai Bartley, and Jadai Bartley; as well as his beloved great-granddaughters, Warren Wells, Emery Jamison, and Rosalyn Davis.

Even in his final years, Pat faced every challenge with the determination and courage that marked his life. He taught his family that true strength is found not in what a man can endure for himself, but in how faithfully he loves, sacrifices for, and provides for those entrusted to his care. Through his example of discipline, resilience, humility, and devotion to family, his influence will continue for generations. Beneath his quiet demeanor was a steadfast faith that sustained him throughout his life. He held close the words of Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," and those who loved him saw that faith reflected in the strength, perseverance, and grace with which he lived each day.

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we find comfort knowing that Pat has been reunited with Elaine. After sixteen years apart, they are together once again.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Pat's memory to one of his favorite charities: Wounded Warrior Project or Big Brothers Big Sisters.