RICHARD ASHLEY VILLARD KITCHEL

1979 - 2012

Richard Ashley Villard Kitchel, age 32, beloved son of Orele' Kitchel and the late Richard Kitchel, crossed over to his Heavenly Father on January 13, 2012.
He was born August 6, 1979 in Bartlesville, OK. He graduated from Pawhuska High School in 1997. His passion for the game of basketball was beyond belief - for several years he held the 3-point record at PHS. He attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah for 4 years and was a brother of the Kappa Sigma Nu Phi Chapter. He was an Oklahoma District Manager for Conseco Insurance Company for 8 years.
On May 16, 2010, Ashley's life was turned upside down, when he woke up early that morning with a spontaneous spinal hematoma that resulted in him becoming a parapalegic and having numerous surgeries over the next year and a half. The wheel chair that he was confined to did not confine his spirit for life or the driving force he had to run and play ball with his children again someday. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Kitchel; paternal grandfather, Richard Kitchel; maternal grandparents, Earl Villard and Sarah Villard Sheek.
Ashley considered his greatest accomplishment was being a good father to his four children he is survived by: Sarah Jordan Kitchel and Jaeden Fawn Kitchel of Pawhuska, OK; JaLynn Nicole Kitchel of the home; and Jamison Ashley Breeze Kitchel of Tulsa, OK;
He is also survived by: His mother: Orele' Kitchel of Pawhuska; His grandmother: Viola Kitchel of Ark City, KS; His two sisters: Nicole Brown of Pawhuska; Johnale' Dry and husband, Duffy, of Tahlequah, OK; Two aunts: Judy Moore and Uncle Eddie of Ark City, KS; Brenda Knox of Winfield, KS; Special friends: Sam Swift, Bryan Bickford, Nate Pradmore and Bill and Kaye Wood; Nieces and nephew: Shananae & Danny Ferguson; Toni & Rhian Rippetoe; Desiree and Rod Rayl; Angelea Dry and Christian Dry; And a host of great nieces and nephews.
Ashley was a devoted, loving father – a wonderful son who was loved very much and an awesome brother and friend. He had a magnetic force that was a combination of humor, wit and love that will be dearly missed.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 20, 2:00 PM, at the First United Methodist Church of Pawhuska. Interment will be in the Pawhuska City Cemetery.
McCartney's Johnson Funeral Home of Pawhuska in charge of arrangements.