Forrest E. "Gene" Kitts

Forrest E. “Gene” Kitts, 89, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Thursday, May 5, 2016, at Richmond Healthcare with the loving care of Midland Hospice. Family will meet with friends from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at Dengel & Son Mortuary and process to Evergreen Mound Cemetery for a graveside service at 11:00 A.M. Gene was born Friday, July 23, 1926, in Ottawa, the son of Charles and Mabel (Gilmore) Kitts. He was a near lifelong Ottawa resident also living in Brown County, Kansas, and Parma, Idaho, where he attended school. Gene was united in marriage with Marjorie Chambers June 9, 1946, in Ottawa. She preceded him in death August 1, 2015. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mabel Kitts; three sisters, Deloris DeWald, Betty Busick, and Bonnie Sutton; and brother, Bill Kitts. Survivors include his son, Rodney Kitts and wife Bonita of Ottawa; two grandchildren, Monte Kitts and wife Jan of Oklahoma, and Suzi Anne Kitts-Watson of Kentucky; five great-grandchildren, Joshua Rodney Wenta and wife Courtney, Megan, Monica, and Miranda Kitts, and Bonnie Watson; three great-great-grandchildren, Caden, Brooklyn, and James Rhett; and thirty-six nieces and nephews. Gene was employed in 1945 at the age of 19 by Ottawa Truck. He worked 43 years, retiring in 1988 with his final position as purchasing manger. He was a member of the Ottawa First United Methodist Church and the Ottawa Lodge 803 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Gene was a family-oriented man with a kind and giving nature. He believed in hard work and was very driven. He enjoyed yard work, striving to have the nicest yard in town, and loved to wash and polish his cars. The family suggests memorial contributions to First United Methodist Church c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Gene’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com