William (Bill) S. Kitts

William (Bill) S. Kitts, aged 92, of Barlow, OH, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife, Mary, and children. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the numerous individuals who visited to bid their farewells in the days leading up to his passing.

Bill was a resilient and compassionate man, deeply devoted to his family and friends. He took joy in assisting others, drew strength from his faith, and embraced both work and play with enthusiasm. Prior to his “retirement,” he dedicated himself to farming and served as a truck driver at McJunkin Corporation. Post-“retirement,” he traveled extensively, bowled, assisted friends with their farms, and worked as a courier for People’s Bank until the age of 89 when he officially retired. Bill had a beautiful, tenor voice and took every opportunity to sing wherever he could: church choirs, family dinners, wedding receptions, retirement communities, in the car, shower, front yard, and even while doing farm chores.

Born in Minnesota, Bill was the son of the late Willie I. and Beula Inman Kitts. He served as an Army paratrooper during the Korean War, married his beloved Mary H. Brown, raised four sons, and cherished the roles of a loving grandfather and great-grandfather. He also enjoyed being an uncle to his many nieces and nephews. A life-long Mason and member of the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Barlow, Bill is survived by his wife, Mary, four sons and daughters-in-law: Steve and Debbie Kitts, Barry Kitts and Cynthia Thompson, Tracy Kitts and Tina Hall, and Terry Kitts and Dawn Landau. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn, and Wayne Kirk, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his brother Robert (Bob) and sisters Eloise, Iris, and Loradell. A memorial service will be held 5:00 pm on Friday, January 26, at McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home, 314 4th St, Marietta, OH. The family will greet friends from 3 to 5 pm.

The family expresses their gratitude to Bill’s many friends, the compassionate nurses and doctors at the Strecker Cancer Center, Right at Home Caregivers, the Veteran’s Administration, and the outstanding staff of The Lindley Inn. Flowers are welcome, or the family suggests performing a good deed with your time or money for a cause that holds significance to you, as a tribute to Bill’s lifelong commitment to helping others.

Bill’s legacy of kindness and generosity will live on in the hearts of those he touched.