Van Nathan Kitchens, Jr. was born May 11, 1938, in Lufkin, Texas, to Van Nathan Kitchens, Sr. and Willie Jewel (Winthrop) Kitchens. He departed this life on October 1, 2024, at his home in Birch Tree, Missouri, at the age of 86.

Van was united in marriage to Rebecca Elizabeth Baker on October 7, 1989, in Orange, Texas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Van and Willie Kitchens; sisters, Verna Faye Kitchens and Diana Inez Kitchens; brothers, Roger Paul Kitchens and Lawrence Edward Kitchens; and son, Van Nathan Kitchens, III.

Survivors include his wife, Rebecca Kitchens; children, Kim (Fred) Ware, Susan Dale, Edgar (Holly) Hart, and Beverly (Brian) Morrow; brothers, Danny Kitchens, Michael Kitchens, and Billy Joe Kitchens; sisters, Linda Sharon Shanfish and Karen Sue Carlile; and grandchildren, Jonathon Hart, Joshua Hart, Ben Humphries, D. J. Ezell, Blane Morrow, Brandon Morrow, Jeremy Ware, Katie Wagoner, and Van Nathan Kitchens, IV.

Van enlisted in the U.S. Army and loved his military service. He also lived and breathed hunting and fishing, if you couldn't find him at home then you knew he was out in the woods or at the lake. Van was known by many names, but his favorite was and will always be "Pawpaw."

He was also a devoted Christian and we know when he made it to Heaven, the Lord said, "Job well done my good and faithful servant." Van will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View, Missouri, with Pastor Jeff Brake officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9-11:00 a.m. also at the funeral home. Interment will be in Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mountain View. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon's International, P.O. Box 555, West Plains, Missouri, 65775. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com