Lester Jack Kitchen

Jack Kitchen, 80, of Gonzales, passed away on Sunday, March 14, 2004. He was born September 9, 1923 in Kenedy, Texas to the late Forrest Marshall Kitchen and Gladys Grace Jones Kitchen. He served in the Navy in the submarine division. He returned to Kenedy and worked in the oilfield off and on throughout his life. He moved to Gonzales and met Elsie Catchings and together they operated the Long Branch Tavern until Elsie's death in 1997.

Survivors include his brothers, Earl Kitchen, James Kitchen and a sister, Anne Crockett, all of Victoria; step-daughters, Linda Rathmann, Ida Ishee, both of Gonzales and Glenda Hart of Freeport; step-sons, Darrell Catchings of Gonzales and Lloyd Catchings of Dale, Texas and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his Long Branch Saloon family and friends.

The one thing that everyone seems to remember about Jack the most is that he lived his life the way he wanted to. Doing just what he wanted to do and what made him happy. In later years he shared many good times with his family at the Long Branch Saloon, dancing, drinking and singing his songs.

He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by everyone that knew and loved him.

A wake was held at the Long Branch Saloon on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 at 7 p.m.

All Faiths Funeral Services of Austin was in charge of arrangements.