Kittinger, Sr., Robert Edward
In loving memory of our father, Robert Edward Kittinger Sr., who passed away on May 14th,2022 at his daughter’s home in Pulaski, Va. surrounded by family and friends. Robert was born in Montgomery County, Va. on August 21st,1941 to the late Reverend Shirley Shelton Kittinger Sr. and Jean Goff Kittinger who owned and operated Kittinger’s Piano Store in Christiansburg, Va. for many years.
Robert was the devoted and loving husband of Virginia Faye Kittinger to whom he was married for 57 years until her passing on April 13th, 2022. Robert grieved and missed his sweetheart where she had passed only one month and one day before he passed. They had 5 children, 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
Robert was the loving father of Deborah Rena Kittinger of Christiansburg, Va., Steven Dwayne Kittinger Sr. and wife Angela Dawn Kittinger of Blacksburg, VA., Virginia Malinda Burke and husband Ronald Scott Burke of Pulaski, Va., Preceded in death are his children Robert Edward Kittinger Jr. and Michael Wayne Smith. As well as raising Reba Ann Palmer of Pilot, Va. as their child.
Grandchildren are Melissa Dawn Kittinger, James David Kittinger, Kevin Kittinger and wife Shaunie Kittinger, Steven Kittinger Jr., April Smith and husband Alex Smith, Shirley Kittinger Reed, Cory Burke, Kaitlyn Finney and husband Jeremiah Finney. Great grandchildren are Andrew King, Buddy Davidson, Paislynn Smith, Braylin Smith, Kashden Smith, Addilyn Meredith, Taylor Reed, Isabella Kittinger and Delilah Finney.
Preceded in death are his sister Jeanette Kittinger, brothers Samuel Kittinger and surviving wife Juanita Kittinger, Reverend James Kittinger and surviving wife Coleen Kittinger. Surviving are many special nieces and nephews. Robert’s children would like to give special thanks to his nephew Sammy Kittinger and wife Debra for their continued love and support before and during dad’s final journey home to Heaven. Also, a very kind Uncle Nat and wife that dad loved dearly. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Robert was a retired veteran who proudly served in the Korean War and Vietnam War. Robert was a First Sergeant Rank E-8 in the United States Army for over 34 years. He was extremely proud and honored to have served his country for our freedom and rights.
One of the kindest souls on this planet, our father was a gentle, giving man who worked tirelessly to ensure that his family had everything they needed. He faced every challenge in life with admirable strength and courage.
Early in life, our father learned the importance of hard work and he instilled that same work ethic in us. He was a man of strong determination and he taught us the importance of family, hard work and doing what is right.
Our father was a true role model who we will always look up to. The viewing will be held at Bowers Funeral Chapel located 1631 Bob White Blvd. Pulaski Va. 24301 on Thursday May 19th at 1:00 pm followed by the service at 2:00 pm and the burial service at 3:00 pm with dads final resting place at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery located in Dublin, Va. Dad, you are now at peace, but you will live on forever in our hearts. We love you so much and there is a hole left in our hearts that can never be filled. We will always remember “I love you this much!”
Psalms 23, 4-6. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.