Robert Perry Kite, 91, passed away on September 22, 2017, at his home in Garland, Texas.

He was born in Bells, Texas on August 27, 1926, and was raised in Bells and Palestine. He graduated from Bells High School in 1944 and enlisted in the U. S. Navy in August 1944. He served as a Small Boat Coxswain on the LST 1040 in the Philippines and Okinawa during WWII and was awarded four medals for meritorious service.

After the war, Kite worked for Earnheart Funeral Home in Whitewright while he attended Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science and graduated in 1948. In 1949, he met Thelma Autrey, a nurse, in Sherman. He attended Austin College in Sherman and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Southeastern State University, Durant, OK, in 1952. That same year he joined the faculty of the Dallas Institute while continuing his education with post-graduate work at North Texas State University and Southern Methodist University.

In 1953 Kite was named Dean of the Dallas Institute and in 1963 and was appointed President, a position he held until his retirement in 1992. During that time, he was twice president of the National Association of Colleges of Mortuary Science and for two years was Chairman of the American Board of Funeral Service Education. He held many other officer positions in both organizations as well. He received many honors and tributes from state and national associations, including the Texas Funeral Directors Association, and the student center at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service was named in his honor.

The Kites moved to Garland in 1954 where they raised their daughter, LeAnn, and were active in community life. The Kites were charter members of South Garland Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, deacon chairman, member of numerous committees, director of the Sunday School, church trustee and greeter. He chaired the building committees that shaped the church as it stands today.

Other memberships include Alpha Phi Omega and Pi Sigma Eta fraternities, American Legion, Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, National Funeral Directors Association and the Texas Funeral Directors Association.

Kite was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters. He is survived by: his wife of 67 years, Thelma; his daughter, LeAnn Hampton and her husband, Jeff; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family visitation will be Sunday, September 24, 6-8PM at Eastgate Funeral Home. A funeral service will commence at 2:00PM on Monday, September 25, at South Garland Baptist Church, 1330 E. Centerville Rd., Garland. Burial will follow in the Garland Memorial Park.

Thelma, LeAnn and Jeff would like to thank the staff of Rejoice Hospice and the South Garland Baptist Church family for their care and support.

Memorial gifts may be made to South Garland Baptist Church, the Alzheimers Association or Rejoice Hospice.