Last Updated on June 11, 2021 by Fisher Funeral Chapel
On Wednesday, May 6, 2020, Larry Charles Kitchel, 78, of Logansport, closed his eyes to the pain and suffering of this earthly life to awaken to see his Savior face-to-face. Larry had spent the last few weeks recovering from open-heart surgery at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. His family was blessed to be with him – their presence gave him great peace.
A life lived to the fullest and a smile for everyone he met. A competitor who appreciated the effort given by both the winner and the loser. A man committed to God and family who enjoyed spending time with both. A believer who trusted his Lord and Savior. A son, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandpa, a brother and a friend. Larry Charles Kitchel. These were words his brother, Michael, penned to sum up this “Cowboy” who we all knew and dearly loved.
On August 1, 1941, in Logansport, Larry was fortunate to be born to two incredible parents, the late Samuel M. and Betty May (Nulf) Kitchel. His older sister, Bonnie May Kitchel Miller, was there to welcome him then, just as she was, along with his parents, when he entered those Pearly Gates.
At a very young age, Larry started competing as a jockey. He had a way with horses and his lightweight frame suited him quite well as a young jockey. During one particular race, Larry rode against Nathan Nulf. Nathan’s little girl, Conna, was there watching the race. The minute he laid eyes on Conna, Larry knew that she was the girl he was going to marry someday. He graduated from Logansport High School in 1960 and went on to graduate from the Indianapolis Barber College. On June 23, 1963, in the Anoka U.M. Church, he married that sweet girl, Conna Mae (Nulf) Kitchel. Their love story has been a beautiful example to all of us.
A man with a strong work ethic, Larry learned many skills at an early age working with his father’s concrete business as a cement finisher. After mastering new skills at barber college along with his gift for conversation, he cut hair and made many friends at Jim Bishop’s Barber Shop. Larry had a gift in salesmanship and in 1969 he began working for Delano Granite Company and Ever-Rest Memorial Park. He was a Bullock garage dealer as well. In 1999, Larry and Conna became co-owners of Moore & Crimmins Heating & Cooling.
Larry grew up in the Bethel Church. For the past 50-years, he has been a member and part of the family at the First U.M. Church. For many years, Larry has served as liturgist during the 10:40 a.m. service. Before delivering the Scripture reading, he would always say, Good morning and what a beautiful morning it is!” When you would ask Larry how he was, he would always reply very confidently, “I’m strong.” His favorite book in the Bible was the Book of John. Larry’s love of the Bible led him to join Gideons International nine years ago and he was very devoted to their mission.
A passionate outdoorsman, Larry loved hunting and fishing. His bucket list dream hunt was realized when his son, Troy, served as his personal guide hunting sheep in Alaska. He and Ladd competed in many bass tournaments across the United States. Larry loved traveling to Georgia to visit his daughter, Kristi, and her family and spend hours and hours fishing. When his children were in 4-H, he loved teaching them life skills and watching them show their livestock. His love of horses continued throughout his life and he would enjoy watching races with Dave Reid.
Larry was really looking forward to Spring for many reasons…the mushroom hunting and starting the flower and vegetable garden with Conna. His tomatoes were his pride and joy. He definitely had a green thumb.
His grandchildren and great-grandchild were, as the Bible says, his crown of old age…except Larry never grew old. This was accomplished by being involved in their many activities, mentoring wrestlers, going to dance recitals, tennis matches, motorcross races, baseball games and cross country meets – they knew Grandpa was their biggest fan.
Surviving with Conna, his wife of nearly 57 years, are their three children and spouses Ladd and Kim Kitchel, of Flora, (and their family, Brandon Vale, Braydon & Laine Kitchel and Karlee Kitchel), Kristi and Jamie Bulger, of Bainbridge, Georgia (and their family: Hunter & Morgan Bulger and Cole & Savannah Bulger and Larry’s first great-grandchild, Ryder), and Troy Kitchel and Keri Iles, of Anchorage, Alaska (and their daughter, Stella); four brothers, Jay (Sarah) Kitchel, and Steve (Betty) Kitchel, all of Logansport, Randy (Julie) Kitchel, of Spring Lake, Michigan, and Michael (Audrey) Kitchel, of Port Orange, Florida; two sisters, Penny (Robert) Bannon, of Logansport, and Nancy Scagnoli, of Newport Beach, California; many, many nieces and nephews and their families; and his beloved little doggie, Lily.
A Memorial Service celebrating Larry’s life will be held in the First United Methodist Church at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, August 1st, on what would have been Larry’s 80th birthday. Pastor Beth Ann Cook will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church or the Gideon’s International.
Fisher Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services have been entrusted with his cremation.
You may share memories, photos and words of comfort with his family on Larry’s Tribute Wall at www.fisherfuneralchapel.com