Deceased Name: John Francis Kilkaitis

©: Durant Daily Democra (OK) - November 26, 2007

Submitted by: Jo Aguirre

 

John Francis Kilkaitis, the eldest son of four children born to John George and

Agnes Liutkus Kilkaitis, was born January 25, 1918, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Both parents were of Lithuanian heritage and John was an active member of the Lithuanian Heritage Society. He was also a devout Catholic and remained close to the Church since his First Communion in 1927. He was an active member of the Saint Williams Catholic Church in Durant. John passed from this life November 20, 2007, while residing at the Oak Ridge Manor Skilled Nursing Unit in Durant, from heart failure.

While growing up in Bridgeport, John finished both high school and vocational trade school to become a carpenter. He especially enjoyed sailing on the ocean and even crafted his own sailboat for himself and his many friends to enjoy. He continued woodworking and crafting furniture until he enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves in 1940. Later, he served his country in the Navy fulfilling active duty requirements during World War II until his honorable discharge in 1945. His family had moved to a small ranch southeast of Bokchito, in which John joined them in 1945.

Then, John received his Bachelor's of Science in Education from Oklahoma A & M University (now Oklahoma State University in Stillwater). He taught history, english, algebra, chemistry, and physics in Gerty. Later, he returned to the east coast and taught industrial arts at Washington High School in Bound Brook, New Jersey. While residing in New Jersey, John enlisted in the United States Coast Guard Reserve in 1958. He served for twenty years and retired from the military in the USCGR in 1978. Locally, John served as the Adjutant for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 10636.

After moving back to the ranch in Bokchito, John began plying his trade of a carpenter. He built many homes, offices, and other structures in Bryan County making many friends and building an upstanding reputation. As well as building houses, John was a cattleman. Even after retiring from construction, he continued to actively maintain the ranch until 2007.

John remained very interested in politics and served at local elections for many years. There and at Church he remained a highly esteemed figure. His generous character and patience endeared him to many. John enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews and close friends throughout the years. He continued to correspond with friends and relatives all over the country regularly as well as those of the Lithuanian Heritage Society. John will be greatly missed.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Agnes and George; his sister and brother-in-law, and nephew: Anna (Annette), Morris, and Larry Wood; younger brothers, Peter (Pete) and Anthony (Tony); cousins, Albert and Nellie Brilvitch; other family members; and close friends: Albert Starkus, Laura Starkus, and Dave Doyle.

Those left with loving memories include his nieces and their families: Toni, her husband, Greg and their children Austin and Tori Gittens; Leisa Lozano and her children, LeTrecia Benner and Joshua Short. Special friends include: Judy Starkus and her son, Anthony and daughter, Annie; Bob Phillips and his family; Nancy Doyle and her daughter, Diatra; Jim Honeywell; Dan and Barbara Brackett; Mrs. Stella Witkavich; and many other friends and relatives.

Funeral service will be Wed. November 28,2007 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Williams Catholic Church in Durant, Deacon Albert Miller will officiate. Rosary will be Tue. November 27,2007 at 6:00 p.m. at the Coffey- Murray funeral Home.,The family hour will follow 7-8 p.m. also at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Bokchito Cemetery in Bokchito.

Coffey-Murray Funeral Home in Durant is in charge of the arrangements.

Thank You For Your Service!