1938 - 2024
Don Kittinger passed away peacefully on September 2, 2024. He was 86 years old.
Born Donald Lee Kittinger in Carmi, Illinois, on August 25, 1938, he was the oldest son of Herman and Lucille (Hill) Kittinger. Don described his parents as, “most certainly the best parents that any kid could have.” In speaking about his younger sister, Patsy, he said, “I played a lot of tricks on her, but she has loved me forever.” He also fondly remembered his grandmother, whom he called “Mom Hill,” who lived in their multigenerational home for 50 years.
Don graduated from Carmi White County High School, and went on to attend mortuary school in Chicago, with the intention of taking over the family funeral home business. It was there that he met his soul mate, Connie Parrish. They were married in Carmi on December 24, 1958. Of Connie, Don said, “She was my soulmate who loved and supported me through thick and thin. Never once did she say any unkind word to me.”
After much consideration, Don decided that the funeral business wasn’t his calling, so he stepped away from the family business and pursued a career in education at Southern Illinois University. He was a teacher in the Carmi White County school system for many years, positively impacting the lives of his students. After retirement, he was elected and served as City Clerk for the City of Carmi. He also provided custodial services to the Carmi United Methodist Church – a church he attended his entire life.
Don and Connie had two sons – Scott and Brad. They were devoted parents and felt blessed to have the boys. Don said, “They grew to be spectacular men, and I couldn’t be prouder. I expect God’s plan will reunite us in heaven.” Some of his fondest memories were of the boys growing up. Don valued his family and his faith above all else. Later in life, Scott and Brad’s children provided Don some of his most joyous moments. He adored his five grandchildren and cherished the time that they spent together. A lifelong learner, he never lost his sense of wonder or his curiosity. He enjoyed giving his grandchildren educational toys, learning new technology and flying drones.
Survivors include son Brad (Monya) Kittinger of Brunswick, Maine; daughter-in-law Melissa Kittinger of Carmi; sister Pat Long of Carmi; grandchildren Fallon Kittinger, Hunter Kittinger-Welch, Trenton Kittinger, Gibson Kittinger, Jonah Kittinger; great grandchild Kàra Kittinger; and niece Amy Long.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Connie; and son Scott Kittinger.
Don’s family will be gathering to celebrate his life on Saturday, September 21, from 11-1 at the Carmi First United Methodist Church located at 100 S Church Street in Carmi. We would be honored if you would join us. A ceremony will be held in the church sanctuary, followed by a reception downstairs in the fellowship room. As per Don’s wishes, please dress casually and in bright colors. Although we are grieving the loss of someone so special to us, we are grateful for Don’s upbeat demeanor, his sense of humor and the positive impact he had on so many of us. We will focus on the great memories we’ve shared with him and honor a life well lived.
Funeral Home in Charge
