Richard Charles McKitrick's Obituary
Richard Charles, “Dick”, McKitrick peacefully left this earthly world for his heavenly home, on March 14, 2011. Dick was born on October 6, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois to Frank D. McKitrick and Beatrice Conn McKitrick. Dick attended Michigan State University, where he was member of Sigma Nu fraternity, and graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in civil engineering. He was part of the “greatest generation” – a World War II veteran, proudly and honorably serving in the Army Corps of Engineers in the European theater. He met his future wife while on duty in France. Dick was a “GM (General Motors) gypsy”, living in Detroit, Michigan, Charleston, West Virginia and Omaha, Nebraska, before permanently moving to Memphis, Tennessee, where he married his war bride and raised his family. Even though Dick was an engineer, he spent most of his career in the automotive industry, preferring to work with people instead of projects. He was a life long Scout, starting as a Boy Scout, continuing with many years of service in troop leadership as well as achieving The Order of the Arrow. He was a member of the Memphis Archeological and Geological Society (MAGS), serving as treasurer and rock show treasurer for many years. Dick was also a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church. After retirement, Dick maintained an active lifestyle, some of which included traveling, taking cruises, attending plays at the Orpheum Theater and walking and socializing with the “Chick-fil-A Bunch”. Oh, and how could we forget the model car collection! Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 42 years, France Marteau McKitrick; brother-in-law Earl Albert Truett, Jr.; and nephew Earl Albert, “Bud”, Truett III. He is survived by his daughter Vivienne McKitrick and husband Dave Auclair of Houston, Texas; his son Scott McKitrick and wife Julianna and grandchildren Brian, Emily and Kevin McKitrick, also of Houston; his sister Janice M. Truett of Oxford, Mississippi; nephew Frank M. Truett, also of Oxford; and companion Marilyn Free of Memphis, Tennessee. Dad/Dick will be greatly missed, lovingly remembered and never forgotten by his family and those who knew him. Let the angels rejoice, as our beloved father, husband, brother, son, grandfather and uncle is among them! Visitation will be Friday, March 18, 2011 from 5-7 pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119. A memorial service to celebrate Dick’s life will be held Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 10 am at Memorial Park Funeral Home, with the internment service following. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial donations in Dick McKitrick’s name, to the Boy Scouts of America Chickasaw Council (171 South Hollywood, Memphis, Tennessee 38112) or a charity of your choice.
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