Harvey (Harv) Dean Kitchens went to be with his Lord on Monday, January 25, 2016. He was born August 29, 1936 in Ennis, Texas. His parents were Olan Anson Kitchens and Clara Myrtle Slocum Kitchens. His family moved to Dallas when Harv was 3 years old, and he continued to live in the area the rest of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings and one nephew.
He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years Kay; his children Julie Kitchens Greaves and husband Ken Greaves, Jill Kitchens Reese, Larry Dean Kitchens and wife Shelly Kitchens; his grandchildren Ryan Dean Kitchens and wife Ashley Kitchens, Kenny Greaves, Kristen Reese, Haley Kitchens Cramer and husband Jared Cramer, Colton Reese, Parker Kitchens, Grant Reese, two great-grandchildren Braidy Dean Kitchens and Lyla Lane Kitchens, and nieces and nephews and their children.
His loss will be felt by his family and friends who knew him to be a very special, fun, devoted and kind man who had a zest for life and cared deeply about others. He served in the Air Force National Guard from 1954 to 1962.
In his early years he worked part-time jobs after school to help support his family. After graduating from North Dallas High School in 1953, he started his working career in the carpet business and later moved into grocery and food services. He worked as produce buyer and merchandiser for Buddies grocery and Kimble grocery in Fort Worth and held management positions at Kroger and Winn Dixie. He had his own wholesale produce company, BIG K Produce for several years in Ft. Worth. Later, he worked for Foodmaker in food distribution and the Sigma division of Sysco foods. Most recently, he enjoyed working with his son Larry on aspects of his new business.
He and Kay lived in Crossroads Texas for more than 20 years where they had a Bed and Breakfast. He was active in city government serving eight years as a councilmember and eight years as the city's mayor.
As lifelong sports enthusiast, he was an avid Texas Rangers fan and season ticket holder for nearly 40 years. He loved to play duplicate bridge for the both the challenge and camaraderie, playing often to work on improving his skill at the game. He enjoyed golf and spending time with Kay at their cabin in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Avenue United Methodist Church in Frisco on Saturday, January 30 at 10:30 AM.
Memorial contributions to honor him may be sent to the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org) or the Grace Avenue UMC Building Fund.