Donald Wayne Kitch, 74, of Bourbon, passed away Sunday, September 12, 2021, unexpectedly.
Don was born May 29, 1947, in Plymouth, Indiana, to Arthur R. and Goldie E. (Markley) Kitch. He was a lifelong resident of Bourbon, graduating from Triton High School in 1965. After graduation from high school, he worked for Indiana Tool and farmed with his father. Leaving Indiana Tool, he operated a dairy farm in Bourbon. After closing the dairy in 1983, he was a tool and die machinist for Zimmer for 25 years before retirement. Don was also a licensed massage therapist for almost 30 years. One of his greatest joys was using the gift God gave him of helping others feel better with his massage.
married Christine Joy Ellinger of Tippecanoe, eloping on August 27, 1965, to Cassopolis, MI. He is survived by his wife, Christine, daughters, Angela (Jason) Reinbolt and Brenda (Dan) Purkey of Rochester, IN, and son Brian (Patricia) Kitch of Bourbon; grandchildren, Christina (Alex) Wright, Scott (Whitney) Ballinger, Austin (Amy) Purkey, Ashley (Cory) Stayton, Kenny (Daisy) Purkey, Laura Purkey, Brandon Kitch, Brooke Kitch, and ten great-grandchildren. Sister Nancy (Bob) Aram of Carmel, IN, and brother Devon (Elma) Kitch of Rochester. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister.
Don attended the Nappanee Missionary Church, was a member of the Northern Indiana International Harvester Collector’s Club Chapter #33 (IHCC#33), Power From the Past, and Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP). He served the Zimmer/Indiana Lakes Federal Credit Union board for several years. He enjoyed antique tractors, family cook-outs over a campfire, and homemade ice cream with his 2-cylinder Hit N’ Miss engine.
On Friday, September 17, 2021, the family will receive family and friends from 3 – 7 P.M. at the Nappanee Missionary Church, 70417 SR 19 N, Nappanee, IN. On Saturday, September 18, 2021, funeral services will be at 12:00 P.M. in the Church, with Pastor Dave Engbrecht officiating. Graveside services will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery at Bourbon, Indiana.
Memorials may be directed to: Nappanee Missionary Church Missions Fund for Don Oasis 70417 SR 19 N Nappanee, IN 46550 Marshall County Community Foundation IHCC #33 Scholarship Fund PO Box 716 Plymouth, IN 46563 marshallcountycf.org Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home is privileged to be entrusted with arranging the services of Donald W. Kitch.
