Joseph Calvin Kiker is now safe in the arms of Jesus. The eldest of three sons of William Calvin Kiker and Josephine Frances Hagan, he died on September 15, 2006. Born October 29, 1924, in Electra, Texas, graduated from Gaston High School 1941, and began study toward his mechanical engineering degree at Texas A&M. His love for engineering was such that he would also earn a petroleum and civil engineering degree before his working years ended. Army service in WWII delayed completion until summer 1947. At A&M his class of 1945 was known simply as the “class that went to war.” Joe received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Combat Infantry Badge for his service in the 12th Armored Division Hellcats after having fought through France, Germany, and into Austria.
Joe worked for Texaco in the United States, Venezuela, Columbia and Saudi Arabia for thirty six years before retiring in 1983. In Beaumont since 1988, he and his wife Billie have been actively involved with wonderful Christians at First Baptist, participated in several veterans’ organizations, volunteered at Memorial Hermann Baptist Beaumont Hospital, played bridge, and even enjoyed golf as long as his health permitted.
Joe is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Billie Mae Kiker; their daughter, Dr. Judith Ellender and her husband Dr. Chet Ellender of Sulphur, Louisiana; son, Joseph C. Kiker II of Beaumont; brothers, James R. Kiker and wife Jackie of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Samuel W. Kiker and wife Elizabeth of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren, David Kendall Ellender and his wife Deepa of Sulphur, Louisiana, Elizabeth E. Ellender of Sulpher, Louisiana, and Kaitlin J. Kiker of Toledo, Ohio.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 18, 2006 at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. A gathering of family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, September 17, 2006 at the Mortuary.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Beaumont, P.O. Box 1352, Beaumont, Texas 77704.
