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John William Kiker

FUNERAL HOME

Crowder Funeral Home - Webster/Clear Lake

111 East Medical Center Boulevard

Webster, Texas

John Kiker Obituary

JOHN WILLIAM KIKER, age 79, passed away on Friday, May 6, 2005, in Houston. He was born August 4, 1925 in Wadesboro, North Carolina to Paul and Ethel Kiker. John was a pilot trainer in WWII, flying B-25s. He had a long career with NASA and retired as head of NASA's Mechanical Systems Branch. His lifelong passion was aviation of any kind. He owned an airplane before he had a car. John was preceded in death by his wife Isabel. John is survived by his three children, a number of grandchildren, and many other family members and friends. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 from 6-9 P.M. at Crowder Funeral Home, 111 Medical Center Blvd. in Webster. Funeral service will be held at 11 A.M. on Thursday at Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 16335 El Camino Real in Clear Lake.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on May 8, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for John Kiker

Sponsored by Kay Kiker Kendrick, daughter.

32 Entries

Kaybird

May 6, 2021

Dad,

Sixteen years have passed since you took flight from earth on a journey to be with your Heavenly Father our Lord and Savior. I am grateful your spirit stays with with me and encourages me daily. These past few years - a hurricane, flooding, a pandemic, deep freeze and an entire state loosing massive amounts of power, a Pandemic, racism, extreme political unrest and a capitol riot - have been brutal, but your courage, faith, perseverance and unconditional love has shown bright as a beacon and helped me soldier on one step at a time each day. I thought about how you enlisted in World War II; took care of a small son when your wife had bulbar polio and was in an iron lung pregnant with your second son; had no money and lived on cheese crackers until getting your first paycheck; found out you were diabetic and had your pilot license to fly solo taken away; and moved several thousand miles away from all your family in order to have a job and provide for us. You always told me to put my faith in the good Lord, and that He would take care of me. No matter what happened - cancer, heart surgery, financial loss - you got up every morning and made the best of each day. You were a servant leader at church, work, and in life - always willing to help others. You showed me the way to go. I have peace knowing you are safe with our Savior. I am comforted knowing you loved me and my family unconditionally. I can hear you say, “Mitty, I’m right here if you need me.” I love you so much, Daddy. Hoping you have blue skies that are smooth as glass, Flyboy.

Kaybird Kiker Kendrick

January 29, 2016

Kaybird Kiker Kendrick

January 29, 2016

Kaybird Kiker Kendrick

January 29, 2016

Kay Kiker Kendrick

January 27, 2016

Dad,

What a wonderful weekend we spent together - you and me at Space Center Houston for the opening of Independence Plaza! Your models and the display giving you credit for proving the shuttle could fly piggyback atop the 747 was awesome!! Your great grandchildren had a blast!! They know you, Dad! They were thrilled with the piggyback wind model display and kept mating and demating the shuttle with the 747 on display. I could hear your boisterous laugh and see you doubled over holding your sides laughing! I felt like I had come home after being away for a long time being back with our NASA family and feasting on your life's passion! The joy of discovery, hang gliders carrying the American flag, Rick Husband's daughter singing the Natuonal Anthem, and people as well as children reveling in your artifacts as well as your story filled me to capacity. Only wishing you were physically, not just spiritually, with me mixed a large spoonful of longing for you amongst the sweet tea of life. Doing what you knew in your heart was right rather than succumbing to those who didn't support you and called your idea ridiculous took great courage and conviction. I have tasted such and your example carried me through the most difficult time when choosing what is right and holding tightly to my beliefs was a solitary and painful challenge. Serving with courage and going against the grain with integrity until proving superiors wrong takes courage, faith, and a good solid sense of self. I have these things because you modeled and instilled them in me, Dad. Thanks for being with me in heart and soul everyday. Thanks for all the valuable life lessons you taught me. Love you so much, Dad!! Kaybird

Mitty Kay Kiker Kendrick

September 28, 2014

Daddy,

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss you. Almost ten years since your "One Man Missing" flight when heaven welcomed you home. People remember and admire the man who patented the concept of flying the shuttle piggyback atop the 747. I am so proud of that man, yet love the man who helped me plan my wedding and went back home to get the slip I forgot to go under my wedding dress. I love the man who held my babies and taught them to drive at the airport when they were teenagers. You did science projects with your grandchildren, and read Huck Finn to them when they spent the night with you. We walked together through life - you carrying me sometimes and me carrying you at times. We prayed together and sought comfort as well as strength from each other. I miss hearing about airplanes and air shows; drag chutes and landings; wind tunnels and ailerons; and smoke steams in the sky. Your great grandchildren will know you, Dad. They will know you for the loving, faithful Christian father and friend you have always been as well as the gifted aeronautical and mechanical engineer who saw his dream through to fruition. I love you so much

Steve King

May 19, 2005

I'm fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from John. Most of that involved adding the drag chute to the Space Shuttle fleet and helping him pass along some of this immense knowledge of parachute and other landing systems. John will be remembered as a well respected, disciplined engineer, aviator, and space pioneer, and quite a role model and mentor. Keep ‘em flying John.

Jeffery Storm

May 19, 2005

As we watch the passing of another aerospace pioneer, let us be thankful for each one's contribution to science, technology and their posterity. My prayers go to all his loved ones.

Kevin Rusnak

May 17, 2005

I had the pleasure of spending a few weeks researching Mr. Kiker's distinguished career a few years ago. A generation of astronauts who splashed safely into the ocean have John Kiker to thank. He was well respected here at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and at NASA and will be remembered for his technical contributions. Having met him on precious few occasions, I think he will also be remembered for his Southern wit and gentility.

Joseph Fellers

May 15, 2005

John and I have remained close friends Since high school in Wadesboro, NC. He took my on my first flight, taught me all about model airplanes, taught me to drive, and his mother and father made me feel like one of the family. He visited us here from time to time during the last years of his life. My wife, Pat, and I are proud to have known him.

Margaret Tucker Aldridge

May 14, 2005

With deepest sympathy to the Kiker family.

Helen Lindsey Otterbourg

May 13, 2005

My family lived next door to the Kikers for many years. (In Wadesboro, N.C.) John was two years younger than me. Our fathers were in business together, and our families were very good friends. John had a special "shop" over their garage where he built his model airplanes. I don't think I ever met anyone else who had such an avid hobby. I am very saddened by his passing, although I've known for some time about his illness.

My condolences to his family.

Helen Lindsey Otterbourg

Jim Clark

May 13, 2005

I have known all the Kikers since childhood. John's over the garage workshop was always one of my rounds. I was 4 years younger than John. I had to be careful, being young , with his fragile plane models. He always had time to show an interest in all of his neighbors and took pictures which I still have that he sent to me. Recently he, by calling and sending me so many pictures and tapes put new life in my days. He actually renewed my reason to stay interested in staying alert and active by his intense love of life and interest in others. And by just being so humble and kind. I loved John Kiker. He is still living today in my heart. Without his Space Contributions people will be able to travel into space quicker.

Marianne Kendrick

May 12, 2005

To most he was known as Mr. John, but to me he was Grandpa. I all ready miss him, but it gives me great comfort knowing that he is in heaven right now. I will miss zooming around in his red cars (always red-his favorite color), I will miss evening trips to the Denny's to "grab a bite to eat", I will miss hearing about his funny childhood stories, I will especially miss his belly laughs, and I will even miss little things such as watching him dress up his cereal with a million different ingredients (grapes, pecans, artifical sweetener, banana, etc.). He was one in a million...and I can't wait to go flying with him again -but this time in heaven!

Woodrow Mock

May 12, 2005

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I didn't know John Kiker until after he had retired from NASA. I met him through his grandson Stephen Kendrick. Being an avid reader of anything having to do with the space program, I was in awe of Mr. Kiker's knowledge and experiences. He was kind enough to invite me into his home and show me some of the memorabilia he had collected during his years with NASA. I was held spellbound as he related how the 747 was adapted to ferry the Shuttle. His foresight, dedication and hardwork exemplified the traits of those that made this country great. I was proud to have had him as a friend if only for a few years.

Although Mr. Kiker is no longer with us in body, his spirit lives on. When the shuttle makes it's next flight and the ones that follow, we will think of him. Whenever old engineers that worked on the Shuttle gather, they will remember him. As for me, on the wall in my study I have a large photograph of the Shuttle "Columbia" perched on the back of a 747 at Ellington Field. Everytime I look at this print, I see John Kiker's handiwork.

Brian Klock

May 12, 2005

I only met Mr. Kiker last week at the Houston Aviation Alliance. I sat next to him and we talked about his work with NASA. It was evident that he was not well but the pride and satisfaction in having contributed to the birth of manned space flight was very much alive and very strong. Allthough our meeting was short it was rewarding. I am honored to have made his acquaintance. Fair Winds and Following Seas, John Kiker.

Karen Wolcott

May 12, 2005

My deepest love be with you during your time of loss.

Karen Wolcott

Robert Sayers

May 11, 2005

I met John at the First United Methodist Church in Houston when we both attended Church there. I knew him as a Christian before I knew we both had worked for NASA. He came to Church many times when it was obvious he didn't feel well and it was always good to see him. He accomplished much at NASA and I feel privledged to have known him.

mary beth shipley

May 11, 2005

Always a friendly smile and an encouraging word, Mr. Kiker was a fine Christian man with so much love for his family and community. May God comfort and bless his family.

Ralph, Marie, Sandra & Yvonne Garza

May 11, 2005

It was our most pleasure to have been Mr. Kiker's neighbors for 20 years. We always remember him working till dark on his model airplanes and "Buffy" right by his side, all dolled up with pink paw nails and pink bows on her ears. It sadden us to leave the neighborhood only because we were leaving our best neighbor ever. Plus we would miss picking his pecans from that hugh Pecan tree in the back. You were sorely missed then and will be now more than ever.

Gary Hattrup

May 10, 2005

I did not know John well. I met him but a couple of times.

The kindness and friendship

he showed me was truly appreciated. He treated my son as

one of his own grandchildren and I thank and respect him for that. His carrier at NASA is what movies

are made of, but his love of life is what legends are made of.

God speed John

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings as eagles;

they shall run, and not be weary;

and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:3

G. E. (Guy) Knowles

May 10, 2005

John was a great friend,mentor and

very unique. He will be missed by all who knew him. His influence and

the impact of his life will remain

always. John is now "flying" with the angels in Heaven. May God comfort his family during this time

and provide blessings in cherished

memories.

Bert Striegler

May 10, 2005

John, we had a lot of fun together with model aircraft over the years, and even more fun with the engines and equipment. I have not only lost a good friend, but the nation lost a pioneer engineer from the space program. I shall miss you, but we will meet again some day.

Owen Morris

May 9, 2005

John and I have been good friends since the early 1960's. We both speak airplanes and he will be very much missed. Good flying John!

Paul Romere

May 9, 2005

I consider it a great privilege to have known John and to have had the opportunity to assist him on his radio controlled Shuttle separation tests. John made significant contributions to NASA's space effort and will be missed by many. If model airplanes are allowed in the next life, I am sure John will be right there in the thick of it.

Ralph Copenhaver

May 8, 2005

Good flight John, we, who knew you as a fellow engineer and model airplane nut, wish you a fond farewell, and wish we left the legacy that you did.

Philip Deans

May 8, 2005

We lost another great one, a NASA pioneer and a good friend and mentor in recovery systems!! John, Kirby Hinson and I worked together on the Mercury parachutes, main, reserve, pilots and drogue. We also were native North Carolinians and educated @ NC State University; John earlier and was working at Wright Patterson AFB until the Space Task Group lured him away. John Lee and Max Faget had something to do with that back in 1959/60. John and his mechanical systems branch was responsible for all the recovery systems on Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab and most of the mechanical systems on the Space Shuttle Orbiter including ejection seats, PLB doors, all external doors, aerothermal seals and the main and nose landing gear. He was admired and respected by all that worked with him and he probably mentored over 100 engineers in his career. He will be missed by his family and friends and is one of those engineers which are truly not replaceable. Go Rest High Upon that Mountain, John; your work here on Earth is done but will not be forgotten!! God Bless!! My condolences to his family!!

Charles Stevens

May 8, 2005

I have known John Kiker since we entered the fourth grade in Wadesboro, NC. During our school days we built many model airplanes and played many sets of tennis.

We have kept in touch with each other throughout the years.

Peggy and I are greatly saddened by his death. Our sincere condolences go to Kay, Joel and Jerry and their families, and to other manbers of
John's family.

Charles and Peggy Stevens

Clifton Harkey

May 8, 2005

John and I go back to WHS in the 40s. We have talked often in recent years, and I will miss the chats with him. I thank God for his friendship, and I am in prayer for the family.

Bill Norris

May 8, 2005

John was a great supervisor and an even better friend during and after our days at NASA. My sincerest condolences to his family.

Tom Beazley

May 8, 2005

John and I share a love of airplanes. I worked for a support contractor to John's branch at Nasa, where I met John, and learned to like and respect him. He was a friend, and I regret his passing. My condolences to his family.

jerry craig

May 8, 2005

John was a great engineer,it was an honor to work with him over the years.More importantly it was a pleasure to know him,what a great and honorable man!

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