Gilbert E. “Bud” Kite, age 88, of Carthage, Mo., passed away on Thursday March 15, 2018, at his home, following an illness.

Bud was born on October 25, 1929 in Gate, Okla., the son of the late James Lazarrus and Elmo J. (Brown) Kite. He has been a lifelong area resident. He served in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. He worked as a truck driver for Clyde Love/Larry Hickey Distributing, retiring in 1997. He was a lifetime member of the Carthage V.F.W. He enjoyed horseback riding and driving his wagon team of mules. In his younger years he enjoyed basketball and softball. He was a member of the Tamko Roofers basketball team. His jersey #33 was retired, after the team defeated the Harlem Globetrotters. They were one of only three teams that had ever defeated the Globetrotters.

He married Freida P. Haynes on February 12, 1954 in Joplin, and she survives. Additional survivors include, one son, James “Brent” Kite, Carthage, Mo.; one daughter, Sherrilyn Loyd and husband Robert “Bob” Hicklin, Carthage, Mo.; one granddaughter, Shene` Loyd, Joplin, Mo.; one brother, Kelly D. Kite and wife Cathie, Minden, Nv.; two sisters, Ella Louise White and husband Dwayne, Lee’s Summit, Mo., and Virginia Sharp, Joplin, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, George L. Kite; and one sister, Emma “Jane” Phelps.

Graveside services will be held 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Rocky Comfort Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6-7 p.m. Monday at Mason-Woodard Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be given to Visiting Angels in honor of Amanda Quarterman in care of the mortuary.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.

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