Leo C. Kittle

Leo Cornelius Kittle, 99, passed at his home on August 27th, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 8, 1924 in Ohio County to the late Carl Rockefeller and Katharine (Libbert) Kittle in the little community of French (Buffalo) just below Aurora on SR 56. He grew up on the family farm with 3 brothers and 4 sisters, graduating from Rising Sun High School in 1941 of which he was the oldest and last living class member.
After he graduated High School he helped on his father’s farm along with being employed by Joseph E Seagram and Sons. He was drafted into the US Army March 17th 1943 where he earned the rank of Sargent. He served his country for three years in the Mediterranean theatre with much time spent in India. On February 19th 1946 he was given an honorable discharge and returned back home to Ohio County to continued working for Seagram’s along with helping his father on the farm. In July of 1957 he purchased the Otto Sawdon farm just west of Aurora off of US 50. On August 11th 1957 he married Evelyn Jean (Hilker) and to this union were born three boys. It was on this farm that the family was raised as they learned how to work and get the most out of life and his wife of 66 years still resides. Son Steven now lives in the original farm house and continues the family farming tradition.
Leo was a very active member of the First Baptist Church of Aurora since 1965. He was an ordained deacon with many years of service as well as countless years on the board of trustees and Sunday School Teacher. He hardly ever missed a church related function. If there was anything that needed fixed at the church he was the man to call.
He was a local 4H club leader, he served on the Dearborn County 4-H board of directors and was a member of the F.A.R.M. club of southeastern Indiana. Leo was a member of the Hartford Masonic lodge and completed his 32nd degree work. He served on the Farm Bureau Co-op and Seagram’s Credit union. Leo took great pride in his gardening and his farm work, especially his cattle. The first new tractor that his father purchased in 1928 still remains with the family farm and it has been in many of the local parades.
He and Evelyn loved to travel taking many family vacations. Leo visited all 50 states spending many winters in Alabama as well as traveling to several foreign countries.
Leo loved his family and friends and could be counted on by everyone for a helping hand but most of all he loved to serve God and the church. He retired from Seagram’s in 1987 after 45 years of service. He and his wife Evelyn built a new house on the north eastern part of the farm in 2000 and enjoyed the new house for 23 years still being very active on the farm until the last few months.
He is survived by his wife Evelyn Jean (Hilker), Sons; Bruce Dale of Franklin, IN, Jerry Wayne (Kathy) of Thorntown, IN, and Steven Leo (Diana) of Aurora, IN; 7 grandchildren, Carl Kittle, Carrie (Robert) Deck, Joanna (Austin) Scott, Douglas (Brittany) Kittle, David (Ariel) Kittle, Jonathan Kittle, and Rachel Kittle; 7 great grandchildren and brother George Henry of Rising Sun. He is preceded in death by father Carl, mother Katharine, Sisters Martha Louise, Lucy Ann (Dausch), Mary Katherine (Bunger, Mitchell), Doris Marie (Jacobs), and Brother Floyd Hastings.
Friends will be received Friday, September 1, 2023, 11:00AM to 2:00PM at the First Baptist Church of Aurora, IN 6060 Blair Rd Aurora, IN. Services will be held at 2:00PM to be conducted by Pastor Bruce Kittle. Interment will be at the Rising Sun New Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Aurora.
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