This is an attempt to help to know who we are,
and remember where we came from; these are the "Roots" that have
nourished our blossoming trees, allowing us to grow. It is dedicated to
all who have paved the roads for us, and the world we live in.
If any errors are found I would like to correct them, or if you would just like
to tell me about the ancestors you found here, please contact me at: jerrygarrison@yahoo.com
. I do try and reply to all who write. This revision may have
changed a search engine referral page; if so, please click on Surnames, and re-search.
Obituary for Paul Kitch, October 1987, Wichita-Eagle Beacon--City Loses Longtime Champion--Paul Kitch Helped to Build Wichita--by Lauretta McMillen, Staff Writer--
Paul Kitch, a noted Wichita civic leader and lawyer for more than 50 years, died Saturday, but friends and colleagues say his work for the city will be remembered for years to come.
Kitch, who was instrumental in the building of Century II and the downtown Wichita Public Library in the early 1960’s, died from complications related to cancer. He was 76. No service will be held.
He was very active in this community, said Gerrit Wormhoudt, a partner in the law firm Fleeson, Gooing, Coulson & Kitch, of which Mr. Kitch was the senior patner. He’s just a remarkable man with a remarkable career here. The things he’s done for Wichita are very special and long lasting.
In 1961, Kitch was elected president of the Wichita Chamber of Commerce. As president, he pushed for the passage of a $15 million bond issue in May of 1961. The bonds for Century II, then called the Civic Cultural Center, and the new library building were approved by a large majority.
Kitch also served as a member of the Wichita Board of Education and was president of the board when Wichita schools were desegregated after the U.S. Supreme Court decided the historic 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education desegregation lawsuit.
Kitch also served as president of Wichita Area Development, a corporation formed in 1963 to try to bring new industry to the city. He served on the boards of directors of several area businesses, including the Kansas State Bank, Wichita Union Stockyards and the United Sash & Door Co.
Originally from Marion, Kitch graduated from Southwestern College in Winfield and went to law school at the University of Chicago. He and his wife Diana (?), have seven children, four of whom have careers in law.
Colleagues also said that although Mr. Kitch had been involved mainly in corporate and business law in recent years, it was his work as a trial lawyer that was downright inspiring.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Kitch is survived by his sons, Edmund W. of Charlottesville, VA; Pete; Thomas D, both of Wichita; James C. of Atherton, CA; and David R. of Visalia, CA; a stepson William Parlette of Overland Park; a daughter Mary Suzanne Kitch of Sacramento, CA; a brother Robert of Winfield; and 11 grandchildren. A memorial has been established with the University of Chicago School of Law--Midwest Genealogical Library, P.O. Box 1121, Wichita, Kansas 67201-1121--http://skyways.lib.ks.us/
The information in Paul Kitch's obituary is incorrect. I was married to him. My name is Diana Kitch. Ed, Pete, Tom, Jim, and David Kitch were his sons by his first wife, Josephine. He adopted my daughter, Mary Suzanne Parlette and her name became Kitch. My son, William Parlette, was his stepson. I hope you can correct this error.
This page was made possible through the help of many
people.
First, and foremost, I want to thank my ancestors, without whom I wouldn't be
here, and without whom I wouldn't be the same person I am. Second, all of the
people on the Kitch-L list who
have helped and given encouragement, but especially for the major contributions
by Linda (Antram) Smith and Tom Kitch; these two furnished both inspiration and
names and dates, as well as a sounding board for my ideas. In addition I
have had help and support from too many others to name here. It is
appreciated, and as long as we keep living, our genealogy will continue growing.
