Thomas Jefferson Kitchen, Jr.

Thomas (Tom) Jefferson Kitchen, Jr., 80, of Moberly, Missouri, passed away on September 19, 2021. He was born on February 16, 1941 in Chariton County, Missouri to Thomas J. and Mary Ruth (Moss) Kitchen. He earned his high school diploma from Moberly Junior College in 1959, while working for Temple Stephens Warehouse. In October, 1959, Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served from 1959 to 1965. During this time, he was stationed in Riverside, California and Misawa, Japan. Following his time in the service, he attended DeVry College, where he obtained a certificate in drafting.

When DuPont arrived in Moberly, Tom was one of the initial employees to be hired, where he began work as a mechanic – often referred to as “Tinker Tom.” Later, he accepted a position as draftsman, which he performed until his retirement in 1998.
During retirement, Tom became involved in the Randolph County Historical Society, where he performed research on historical county events. He also enjoyed cooking and preparing meals for his family, which he did quite well.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Martha Hughes; son-in-law, Bruce Dent; daughter-in-law, Regina Kitchen; a brother-in-law, Charles Dawson; and several nieces and nephews.

He is survived by one sister, Mary Evelyn Dawson of Sturgeon, MO; his children Mike Kitchen of Moberly, John (Cathy) Kitchen of Fulton, IA, and Karen Dent of Moberly; grandchildren including Thomas M. Kitchen of Moberly, MO, Skyler Kitchen of Moberly, MO, Russell Jones of Fulton, IA,
Jason (Lacey) Huling of Clinton, IA, Clayton Carder of Phoenix, AZ, Ericah Carder of Clinton, IA, Stephanie Carder of Clinton, IA, Shawn (Stephanie) Dent of Columbia, MO, Ricky (Jillian) Dent of Oklahoma City, OK; and many extended family and friends.
Services celebrating his life will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Pathway Memorial Funeral Home. Interment with full military honors will follow at Prairie Valley Cemetery in Salisbury. Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until the time of service. Memorial contributions in Tom’s honor are suggested to the Honor Guard, 3901 North Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834.
Condolences may be shared online at pathwaymemorial.com.