Obituary: Dr. Joseph C. Kite, Basketball 1950 & 51and Football 1950, 51, 52

It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Dr. Joseph C. Kite at the age of 93. After spending his entire life in Vermilion Parish, he retired and spent his final years in Richardson, Texas close to many members of his large and devoted family.

Joe was born in Kaplan, Louisiana to Modeste (Maude) Eugenie Guidry Kite and Hubert Addison Kite, the youngest of six children. He graduated from Kaplan High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically, becoming the first student to earn scholarships in both football and basketball. He continued his education at McNeese Junior College and Southeastern Louisiana Institute (now UL), graduating in 1952 with a BS in Education. In 1964, Joe earned a Ph.D. from LSU, making him the first educator in Vermilion Parish to achieve that honor.

Following his graduation, Joe proudly served his country in the US Air Force. He is a Korean War Veteran, serving 2 years of Active Duty, and 18 years in the Reserves.

Joe went on to have a successful and impactful career in public education where he mentored and inspired many students. After retirement, he continued to contribute in the private sector bringing his leadership to a new chapter of work. He remained active in professional and civic organizations including American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and Louisiana Heart Association.

A man of many passions, Joe embraced life fully and stayed physically active well into his later years. He especially loved golf, tennis, gardening, reading and spending time with his family. Each of his children carries forward a piece of his enthusiasm for these pursuits.

Joe married Florence May Hebert in 1952 and together they raised 8 children in Kaplan: Beryl Cecelia Kite Hebert (Michael), Charles Douglas Kite (Kim), Karen Joette Kite Sirmon (Steve), Karla Theresa Kite, Karol Adele Kite Richardson (Bob), Kathryn Rose Kite Gutterman (Charles), Kurt David Kite (Eileen), Kristopher John Kite (Sally). In 1980 Joe married Debra Ann Husband and they made their home in Abbeville with their son, Stuart Joseph Kite, (Summer).

Joe is survived by all 9 of his children: Beryl, Doug, Joette, Karla, Karol, Kathy, Kurt, Kris and Stuart; as well as many beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, each of whom was a source of joy and pride. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Debra Kite, his parents Maude and Hubert, his siblings Cecilia Kite Fabre, Mark Kite, James Kite, Beth Kite Martens, Albert Roy Kite, and his son-in-law John Stephen Sirmon, Sr.

A Memorial Service for family and friends will be held in Abbeville at Magdalen Place (2 S Magdalen Square, Abbeville, LA 70510) June 21st, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Joe and Debbie’s final resting place will be in Little Elm, Texas.

Posted by Ed Dugas, June 5, 2025

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