Joseph Michael "Joe" Kitson, age 71 of Whitmore Lake, passed away peacefully at home, on November 19, 2025, held close by his family in his final hours.
Joe was born on September 9, 1954, and lived a life built on strength, loyalty, love, and an unwavering willingness to help anyone who needed him. He dedicated 37 years to General Motors Powertrain at Hydramatic in Ypsilanti, where his work ethic and devotion to providing for his family became part of his identity. Joe spent his life caring for his wives, parents, children, siblings, friends, and countless others who simply needed a hand. If you knew Joe, you knew he would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation.
Joe is preceded in death by his second wife and mother of his children, Sandra (Doty) Kitson; his parents Robert (Marge) Kitson and Patricia Kitson; his sisters Rita (Monte) Lane and Deborah (Bud) Woodard, mother and father in law Linda Garrett and Clay Garrett, and many aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his daughters Kimberly Simmons (Jack Norman) and Heather (Bob) Lindsay); his step son Corey Hastings, grandchildren Braden Kendzel (Madeleine Davis) and Oriana Lindsay; his siblings Sandy (Billy) Dean, Mike (Lois) Kitson, Angie (Rex) Jones, and Theresa (Greg) Brower; and his in-laws Alan (Bongja) Doty, Bob (Margie) Doty, and Bill Doty. Joe also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Above all, Joe leaves his soulmate and wife of 27 years, Joy Kitson, the love of his life, and his beloved African Grey Parrot, Ben, who remained his loyal companion for the last 20 years.
Anyone who knew Joe knew his passions ran deep. He loved Detroit Tigers baseball, Pistons basketball, and was proud to be a two-time Livingston County 9-Ball pool champion. He loved feeding the birds, keeping up with current events, and took pride in his Native American heritage. He traveled widely, visiting Japan, Germany, France, and the Bahamas, and treasured family trips to Florida over many Christmases.
Joe was happiest outdoors. He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and caring for the many animals who were part of his life — including Tasha, Toby, Tara, Taz, Ozzie, Serj, Aurora, Mama Rose, Lyle, Hopper, Jupiter, Tana, Joker, Spike, Annie the Clydesdale, rescue horses, ducks, goats Friday and Felix, and more. His bond with animals was one of the purest parts of who he was.
He loved motorcycle rides, especially with his best friend Kevin (Christy) Campbell, with whom he shared countless rides, pool tournaments, and memories. Joe treasured lifelong friendships, including Gary and Joanne Garlacz, who shared decades of laughter and adventures with him.
And of course, Joe was a lifelong Bob Seger fan — one of his deepest joys. He first saw Seger live in 1980 while Sandy was nine months pregnant with Heather, and again in 1996 when Kimberly surprised the family with sixth-row tickets. His "best of" playlist remains on repeat in his honor.
Joe's health declined rapidly due to metastatic prostate cancer, and he spent his final days at home surrounded by love, comfort, and family.
Joe's legacy is one of generosity, humor, devotion, and heart. He will be missed beyond measure and remembered with profound love by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Joe will be cremated and a celebration of life details will be announced by the family.
Thank you to everyone for your kindness and support during this very difficult process.
Donations for Joes Celebration of Life and to support his daughter Kimberly who used FMLA unpaid to care for Joe the last month of his life. https://gofund.me/1c274a1c7
If you are looking to donate to charity you can contact Trinity Health at Home in Livonia, Michigan. They provide amazing services and were available 24/7 to help us.
Joe was born on September 9, 1954, and lived a life built on strength, loyalty, love, and an unwavering willingness to help anyone who needed him. He dedicated 37 years to General Motors Powertrain at Hydramatic in Ypsilanti, where his work ethic and devotion to providing for his family became part of his identity. Joe spent his life caring for his wives, parents, children, siblings, friends, and countless others who simply needed a hand. If you knew Joe, you knew he would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation.
Joe is preceded in death by his second wife and mother of his children, Sandra (Doty) Kitson; his parents Robert (Marge) Kitson and Patricia Kitson; his sisters Rita (Monte) Lane and Deborah (Bud) Woodard, mother and father in law Linda Garrett and Clay Garrett, and many aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his daughters Kimberly Simmons (Jack Norman) and Heather (Bob) Lindsay); his step son Corey Hastings, grandchildren Braden Kendzel (Madeleine Davis) and Oriana Lindsay; his siblings Sandy (Billy) Dean, Mike (Lois) Kitson, Angie (Rex) Jones, and Theresa (Greg) Brower; and his in-laws Alan (Bongja) Doty, Bob (Margie) Doty, and Bill Doty. Joe also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Above all, Joe leaves his soulmate and wife of 27 years, Joy Kitson, the love of his life, and his beloved African Grey Parrot, Ben, who remained his loyal companion for the last 20 years.
Anyone who knew Joe knew his passions ran deep. He loved Detroit Tigers baseball, Pistons basketball, and was proud to be a two-time Livingston County 9-Ball pool champion. He loved feeding the birds, keeping up with current events, and took pride in his Native American heritage. He traveled widely, visiting Japan, Germany, France, and the Bahamas, and treasured family trips to Florida over many Christmases.
Joe was happiest outdoors. He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and caring for the many animals who were part of his life — including Tasha, Toby, Tara, Taz, Ozzie, Serj, Aurora, Mama Rose, Lyle, Hopper, Jupiter, Tana, Joker, Spike, Annie the Clydesdale, rescue horses, ducks, goats Friday and Felix, and more. His bond with animals was one of the purest parts of who he was.
He loved motorcycle rides, especially with his best friend Kevin (Christy) Campbell, with whom he shared countless rides, pool tournaments, and memories. Joe treasured lifelong friendships, including Gary and Joanne Garlacz, who shared decades of laughter and adventures with him.
And of course, Joe was a lifelong Bob Seger fan — one of his deepest joys. He first saw Seger live in 1980 while Sandy was nine months pregnant with Heather, and again in 1996 when Kimberly surprised the family with sixth-row tickets. His "best of" playlist remains on repeat in his honor.
Joe's health declined rapidly due to metastatic prostate cancer, and he spent his final days at home surrounded by love, comfort, and family.
Joe's legacy is one of generosity, humor, devotion, and heart. He will be missed beyond measure and remembered with profound love by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Joe will be cremated and a celebration of life details will be announced by the family.
Thank you to everyone for your kindness and support during this very difficult process.
Donations for Joes Celebration of Life and to support his daughter Kimberly who used FMLA unpaid to care for Joe the last month of his life. https://gofund.me/1c274a1c7
If you are looking to donate to charity you can contact Trinity Health at Home in Livonia, Michigan. They provide amazing services and were available 24/7 to help us.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph Michael Kitson, please visit our flower store.
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