Clarence R. Kite, Jr., of Orange, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026, in Orange, Texas, just shy of his 100th birthday.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 29, 2026, at Autumn Oaks Memorial Park in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Amy Walker of Faith Methodist Church in Orange, Texas.
Born on September 16, 1926, in Brinkley, Arkansas, Clarence was the son of Clarence Kite, Sr. and Ida Goodwin Kite. Clarence answered the call to duty not once, but twice. He proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II. After his initial discharge, he utilized his G.I. Bill to pursue higher education at Georgia Tech, earning his bachelor’s degree in engineering and famously surviving his college years on a diet of hot dogs. After graduating, his commitment to his country led him to enlist in the Navy Reserve, and he was called to serve again during the Korean War. After his service during the Korean War, he was stationed in Arkansas, where he met the love of his life, Dolorese. Clarence dedicated many years to his professional career, serving as an engineer and supervisor at Phillips 66 in Orange from 1965 to his retirement in 1985. Beyond his professional and military life, Clarence was a passionate outdoorsman. His heart truly sang in the great outdoors, whether he was wading through the marsh, patiently waiting in a duck blind, or casting a line into the water. He was also a cherished member of Faith Methodist Church, where he remained committed to his faith. Clarence’s legacy of service, dedication, and a life lived with zest will continue to inspire all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 58 years, Dolorese Shaw Kite; his parents, Clarence Sr. and Ida Kite; his son, Frank Alan Kite; and his sister, Mary Miller.
Clarence is survived by his beloved son, Charles “Andy” Kite and wife Carrie; his grandchildren, Christopher Kite and girlfriend Kristen Freeman, and Kimberly Waters and husband Walter; his great-granddaughters, Destiny Stidham and Marissa Waters; and his great-great-granddaughter, Stella Stidham. He also leaves behind his dear sister, Patti Goheen of Counce, Tennessee, and other loving family members who will forever hold his memory close.
In lieu of flowers, the Kite family asks that donation in Clarence’s honor be made to the Dementia Society of America at https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate
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