Robert Stanton Kittell — In Loving Memory

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Debra Blue Austin, TX December 3, 2008

I remember my dad teaching me to ride a bike in Clovis N.M., it was not one of our stellar moments- me in tears with bloody knees and him telling me to stop being a baby, but he got me going and on my way to more freedom to explore my surroundings and play with my friends. You may not remember, but most kids go much farther from home on a bike than they did on their own two feet. He took me swimming a lot when we lived on Rockcrest Drive in Austin. We caught my first and only fish together at a 'Dad and Me' Girl Scout event. He even consoled me when I ended up in tears when the darn thing died before we could throw it back in. Around the same timeframe, I woke up one Christmas night and heard something in our front room. It was dark and I saw a large, round man by our Christmas tree. I assumed it was Santa and thought I would get in trouble when he found out I saw him, so I ran back to my bed and told my parents all about it in the morning. At an Outdoor Education camp out we went on, to McKinney Falls, he yanked me back when I was dreamily walking along and cut the head off a water moccasin with his shovel. I probably would have stepped on the snake. At that moment, he was a hero to me. It did not dawn on me until later, that his military training allowed him to make that snap decision and take action.

My parents were very active with me as a kid. Since we moved around so much, we were able to experience a lot of things. He took us cross country skiing at Sandia Peak in Albuquerque. When we went to the Hot Air Balloon Festival, I even got to ride in one. He and my mother took me to see the giant Sequoia's and we rented 4 wheelers and played in the sand dunes. I remember my dad always having a camera with him, so I have pictures from a lot of these events. I do not look at the photos very often, but when I do, the memories of the happy moments come flooding back in.

In California, right before one of my birthdays, we went to an air show. I loved jets- the sounds, the smell, all of it. There was a crash. I will never forget it and have not been to an air show since:

1988, April 24- Marine Corps Colonel Jerry Cadick, then commanding officer of MAG-11, was performing stunts at the MCAS El Toro Air Show before a crowd of 300,000 when he crashed his F/A-18 Hornet at the bottom of a loop that was too close to the ground. The aircraft was in a nose-high attitude, but still carrying too much energy toward the ground when it impacted at more than 300 mph (480 km/h). Col. Cadick was subjected to extremely high G forces that resulted in his face making contact with the control stick and sustaining serious injury. He broke his arm, elbow and ribs, exploded a vertebra and collapsed a lung. Col. Cadick survived and retired from the Marine Corps. The F/A-18 remained largely intact but was beyond repair.

It made me so sad that a pilot would get hurt so bad, just to put on a show. I still got a T-shirt that day that said "Jet Noise- the sound of freedom" and got a lesson on what a sonic boom was. I was fascinated.

I took drivers education class in California, but he taught me how to drive a stick shift in Lumberton. It was nice and flat, so it went really well. He was there when I graduated high school and gave me away at my wedding, even though he was going through a rough time and did not really want to be there. He still went, and he did it for me.

I wanted to bury my father with dignity. To me, he was a military man first and a father second.

My sister and I were born while my father was in active service. We moved around a lot and learned to never get too attached to people, because you never knew if your dad or your friends dad would get stationed somewhere else soon. You had to be somewhat independent at a young age. That was just our reality. We knew how proud he was of his service and I was proud of him for it.

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Courtney Costello Austin, TX December 2, 2008

Dear Grandpa,
I just wanted to let you know how much I love you, and that for the 11 years I knew you was great, awesome, fantastic, wonderful, and the best years of my life and the greatest years of my life. I really miss you, but I really appreciate you because you were my only grandfather. My favorite time with you was when we went on the Ferris Wheel together, you will always be in my memories. I will never, ever forget you. One more thing, I love you. Please never, ever forget me or Autumn she really loves you too!!
---Love your youngest granddaughter Courtney Costello

p.s.-- R.I.P, I will always love you and never forget you bye,bye grandpa

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Kris Costello Austin, TX December 2, 2008

Dad-
I just wanted to let you know how much I love you. As much as I hated always moving as a child, I have come to appreciate all our moves and travels. I have so many wonderful memories of the places we have lived. My favorite place we lived was England, where we got to go on Queen Elizabeth's private airplane, ride the Hovercraft from England to France, getting to pick out our sheep skin rugs when we were in Scotland. We also got to do some exciting things when I was really little and lived in Germany, like meeting our German cousins (which I promise to keep in touch with for our whole family) and going to the salt mines. I think one of my favorite things that you and I did together was going to all the air shows we would go to. Thanks for all the memories and all the great places we got to go. --Love, Your oldest daughter, Krissie

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Dr. & Mrs. John McCormick austin, TX December 2, 2008

We're sorry for your loss and Pray God holds you close, bringing you comfort & Peace.

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Gary Cranor Beaumont, TX December 1, 2008

Bob & I had built a real (on-line) mutual admiration society, where we shared all sorts of ideas, concerns, jokes and most of all our unique relationship as ACTS Brothers and our never ending thanks to God for our unbelievable Blessings and Gifts..
Bob, I'm still in shock and I'm trying to grasp the fact that our Lord, obviously has much bigger and better plans for you and I'm confident you will do your best, as always .. Peace be with you and your Family, My Brother !!

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Anna Montes Lumberton, TX December 1, 2008

Our prayers are with you ... Anna, Anita, Cindy & Ronnie Chesson

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Thomas P. Petkus Dayton, OH December 1, 2008

It was an honor to know this wonderful veteran who served our country proudly and with dignity. My condolences for his loved ones. Bob will surely be missed!

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Mary Kittell Austin, TX December 1, 2008

Some of you knew Bob as a child and some of you are more recent friends, but having been married to Bob for 40 years I think I probably knew him as well as anyone and would like to share some my favorite memories with you.
Bob left Beaumont at age 17 to join the Air Force. After basic training he was sent to Chinese language school at Yale University and developed a lifelong love of Oriental culture. He was then transferred to Madison, WI where we met & married. During his tours of duty we were stationed in WI, Illinois, Nebraska, Maine, TX, Mississippi, New Mexico, Germany, and England. He also served 1 tour in Guam and 2 tours in Viet Nam. We moved over 60 times and traveled extensively. I "dragged" him to many live theater productions, art galleries, and science museums. He willingly went to church, Girl Scout and girl sports activities, and school programs. He completed 2 college degrees and was a published author. He was an enlisted man for 10 years before becoming a commissioned officer and retired at the rank of Major. His greatest wish was to become a father and he produced 2 beautiful daughters.
When he retired we moved to CA, but the call of TX prevailed and we moved back to Austin which we called home for many years. As a young man Bob could hardly wait to get out of Beaumont, but as an old man he could hardly wait to get back, so when we separated we each moved back to our home towns to care for aging parents.
Bob, we loved, laughed, cried, and fought our way through 40 years of life together, but I always loved you and always will---Mary

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A J BROWN Baton Rouge, LA December 1, 2008

You are not Forgotten !
"Forgotten Warriors"
Chapter 1 LA

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Jack & Toni Salyers Lumberton, TX December 1, 2008

Dear Becky & family
Bob will be missed. He was a great patriot having served his country most of his adult life. He was a dear friend at church, ACTS ministry, KCs and the Vietnam Vets chapter 292. He was a kind and loving husband and father. Our prayers are with you Becky and family.
Jack & Toni Salyers

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Garry & Melinda LeBlanc Lumberton, TX November 30, 2008

Becky & Family,
We want to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bob will be missed by his parish family at Infant Jesus.
Garry & Melinda LeBlanc

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Bruce Wayne, Theresa and Matthew Wayne Grimes TX November 30, 2008

Dear Becky,

Our heart just goes out to you, my sister. Bob was a great man and loved by so many. Our youngest son probably said it best and simple, "Oh, I really loved Mr Bob,momma". You both have been dear friends to us for quite some time. I remember learning a thing or two about how to place a bet at an auction!!
I look back at the last email he sent it, of course reminding us to be grateful and give thanks. Sometimes it really is the small things!
If ever we asked for prayer we knew he would do it as soon as possible.

Oh how he loved you, Becky. The light of his life, caring for you and even when we would be concerned about you he would lighten things up a bit, There really isn't any 2 more more like you two- in the same pod.

We will see you soon, and be praying for both of you. Much more to be said...later.

You know where we are and all the numbers, so give us a call anytime, as we do you!

May the Lord shine upon your face, be gracious to you and give you His peace.... Numbers:6

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Patricia Jackson Port Neches, TX November 29, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

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David Richard Lumberton, TX November 29, 2008

I first met Bob at my ACTS retreat and ever since our first meeting, he has truely made me feel like a brother. While I have not known Bob very long, I have enjoyed our time together. I will miss you Bob!

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R.F."BO"& PAM HORKA Silsbee, TX November 28, 2008

DEAR BECKY AND FAMILY,
WE FIRST MET BOB THROUGH ACTS AND ENJOYED SHARING THAT INSPIRING RELIGIOUS JOURNEY WITH HIM. WE CARRIED ON A PRETTY GOOD INTERNET COMMUNICATION AND I LOOKED FORWARD TO HIS MAIL, I WILL MISS HIM IN MANY WAYS, HE WAS A LOVING AND LOVELY MAN. ALL OF THE ACTS COMMUNITY HAS LOST A VERY DEAR MEMBER AND KNOW HE IS WITH THE LORD. WE ARE PRAYING FOR THE FAMILY TO HELP THEM OVERCOME THIER LOSS.
YBSIC BO & PAM

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Ricci Pampolina Lumberton, TX November 28, 2008

I have just recently had an oppurtunity to meet Bob at my first ACTS retreat. He was a very kind and a loving man. I am so honored to have gotten to meet such a great and giving man. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family.

Thanks Bob for your time spent at my retreat.
YBIC,
Ricci Pampolina

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Jim & Dianne Maxey Lumberton, TX November 28, 2008

Becky & family,

Bob will surely be missed by all who knew him. He was a kind and loving man and had a great spiritual nature. He loved serving the Lord and showed that in so many ways at Infant Jesus and with the ACTS community.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Peace and comfort to you and your family.

Jim & Dianne Maxey

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Mark and Connie Chase TX November 28, 2008

Our thought and prayers are with you!!!

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JOHN L/ Darby Kountze, TX November 28, 2008

Bob and I went to South Park together,we lost contact for many years. Then six years ago when he moved to Lumberton and joined Infant Jesus Church we where reunited again. Bob & I went through the Acts Retreat together.
You will be missed BOB

YBIC

John L. Darby

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Joyce and Shane Austin, TX November 28, 2008

Thinking and praying for your family. - Shane and Joyce

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Daryl and Paula Beaumont, TX November 28, 2008

Bob, You were a great, lifelong friend. You have a heart of gold that will sustain you for an eternity.

We will meet again, old friend!

Daryl

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Chip Granger Vidor, TX November 28, 2008

I will surely miss Bob. he was a great man.

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Debra Blue Austin, TX November 27, 2008

Dad, I miss you and love you. Becky, thank you for giving him the companionship he needed. -D

**He is also survived by his former wife, Mary Kittell, of Austin.

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Jack & Barbara Mills Silsbee, TX November 26, 2008

Becky: Our sympathies and prayers are with you and the family on our Brother Bob's sudden demise. Jack & Barbara Mills

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Sandra Womack Beaumont, TX November 26, 2008

I had the opportunity of meeting Bob at Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. SET Chapter #292. Come to find out I knew his brother Wylie. Bob always had a kind word for me or a funny towards me. My life was truly blessed by having met Bob. RIP my friend.

To the family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give comfort and strength in your time of need.

Robert Stanton “Bob” Kittell

Services

Christian Vigil

Gathering of Family and Friends

Mass of Christian Burial

Condolences (25)