Russell Kittelton

Russell P. Kittelton, age 89, of Battle Creek, passed away Friday, July 14, 2017. He was born January 8, 1928 in Battle Creek, Michigan the son of William Dorr and Louise (Frauenreder) Kittelton. Russ was a graduate of St. Philip Catholic Central High School Class of 1946. He worked 24 years for Rich Manufacturing-Federal Mogul until the plant closed and then went to work for Michigan Carton until he retired in July 1993. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and served as an altar boy at the first Mass celebrated at the church, which at that time was a converted barn. For many years he also served the church as an usher. Russ was a volunteer at Dudley School working with children of all ages where he was loved by the children and staff. On March 31, 2000, he received the "Favorite Grandpa" award at an assembly and luncheon at the school. In 2001, he received the South Central Education Association's "Good Apple" award. In his free time, Russ was using genealogy to trace his family history. He enjoyed world history and the political arena. An avid University of Michigan fan since the age of 15, he enjoyed attending many games over the years. On June 19, 1954, he was married to the former Jean A. Goole at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kalamazoo. Russ is survived by his wife, Jean A. Kittelton of Battle Creek; three children: Kathy Sanford, David Kittelton and William and Kathy Kittelton all of Battle Creek; two grandchildren: Will Kittelton and Jessica (Joseph) Remele; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rosemary White; brother, James D. Kittelton and son-in-law, Keith Sanford. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family requests that memorial contributions be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Dudley School.