PAUL W. KITT
Lifelong Nebraska farmer and rancher
The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it. – Psalm 24:1
Paul W. Kitt was born October 27, 1927 at Imperial, Nebraska to John J. and Mary (Donze) Kitt, the youngest of six children. On that same day the cornerstone was laid for Mt. Zion Methodist Church, the congregation where Paul was a lifelong member.
Paul was raised on the Dundy County family farm south of Wauneta where he lived there his entire life. He graduated from Wauneta High School in 1945.
On August 21, 1949, Paul was united in marriage to Elnora Cushing in Stratton, NE. To this union three children were born—Craig, Paula, and Kent. Like his father and grandfather before him, Paul farmed grain crops—wheat, milo—and raised Hereford cattle.
In early years Paul was a Boy Scout leader. He enjoyed taking and showing home movies of family activities. “Cheese, Uncle Paul” was a phrase he loved hearing from nieces and nephews when the camera was pointed in their direction. Hobbies in later years included golf and playing cards. Throughout his life he sang! – as part of the Kitt Quartet; as part of the Prairie Statesmen barbershop chorus; as part of the church choir.
Paul’s community involvement included serving on the board of directors for several organizations including Southwest Public Power District, IOOF (Independent Order of Odd Fellows), Wauneta Senior Center, and Frenchman Valley Development Corporation.
His role as a steward of God’s earth and resources ended August 11, 2016 when he passed away peacefully due to cancer at the age of 88. He is now singing in a heavenly choir.
Those who grieve his passing and celebrate Paul’s life include son Craig Kitt of East Hampton NY; daughter Paula Kitt of Lenexa KS; grandson and wife, Ryan and Meghan Busking of Houston TX; sister-in-law Joan Kitt of Wauneta; sister-in-law Margie Shackelford of Henrico VA; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Erwin and Joyce Cushing of Stratton NE; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Harold and Oleta Cushing of Helena MT; many nieces and nephews.
Loved ones who preceded him in death are his parents; brothers Ervin Kitt, John Junior Kitt; sisters Helen Kitt, Fern Stinnette, Naomi Casker; wife Elnora; and son Kent Kitt.
Funeral services: Friday, August 19, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. MDT at United Methodist Church, Wauneta with Rev. Elias Mukindia officiating. Other participants: organist Diana Ham, pianist Craig Kitt and casket bearers Ryan Busking, Keith Busking, Keenan Kitt, Loren Cushing, Don Harrison, Kevin Janicek, and John J. A. Kitt. Interment at Riverside Cemetery.
Gifts in memory may be given to United Methodist Church of Wauneta or Wauneta Senior Center.