James Michael “Mike” Kitchens was born May 21, 1946, in Laurel, Mississippi to James Walton Kitchens and Geraldine Beech Kitchens. He passed away on June 27, 2020, at the age of 74, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Service Information: Close friends and family are invited to join in honoring him at a memorial service on Thursday, July 2, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Lake Shore Funeral Home in Waco, Texas. Masks and distancing will be required. For anyone who would like to join remotely, a live stream of the service will be presented at www.lakeshorefuneralhome.com/live, beginning at 10:45 am. A reception lunch will be held in Clifton following the service. Please RSVP to his wife, Darlene, if you would like to attend.
Mike served honorably in the United States Air Force and Texas Air National Guard during the Vietnam War era. After completing his service, he enjoyed a long career in the financial services industry. During his spare time, Mike enjoyed classic cars, working on home improvement projects, and watching college and professional football, especially his adopted home team, the Texas Longhorns.
Mike is survived by his wife, Darlene; his son, Jim Kitchens; grandson, Evan Kitchens; his sister, Deana Volney and her husband, Jimmie; niece, Erin Suson; nephew, Joshua Volney; aunt, Kathy Beech; former brother-in-law, Robert Schatz; former wife, Kathy Kitchens; step-children, Colin and Caitlin Donovan, and numerous cousins and extended family.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his former wife, Shirley Ann Schatz Kitchens; and grandson, Blake Kitchens.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local food pantry, blood bank, or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
Darlene so very sorry for your loss
May God give you comfort and peace
And sweet memories warm your heart
Darlene: Can’t express how very sorry I am for your loss. I am so happy you found each other again and had this precious time together. He was a wonderful man and a blessing to all the lives he touched.
Hi Darlene,
My name is Stephanie Price(Schatz), Mike was married to my aunt Shirley. My dad is Robert. I’m so very sorry to hear of his passing and so suddenly. Dad was keeping me up to date on his condition. Please know you and Jimmy are in my thoughts and prayers. Mike was always a good uncle to me and still text me on Holidays to say hello. I will miss that. Again my deepest condolences to you and your family
Daelene,
I am so glad that you and Michael found each other again. Michael brought such love and laughter to our family through out the years. We will all miss him so very much. Gods speed my wonderful cousin . You will always in my heart! All my love goes out to you Darlene.
Dearest Darlene,
Michael was such vibrant soul. He brought so much joy to our family . I am so glad that you and Michael found your way back to each other.
I have some very special memories of Michael
and you that I hold so dear. I pray for your peace and comfort. You will always be family to us.
God Speed Michael.
All my Love,
Cindy
To Mike’s family and friends, know you all are in my heart and prayers. I remember Mike from high school and he was one of my favorite people. Sending loving support to all of you…
To Mikes family, I am so sorry to hear of Mikes passing. Mike and I went to Junior High and High School together. What I remember about Mike was his smile and his friendship in our school years. I am praying for you his family that Gods mighty Grace will see you through the days ahead God Bless