Arnold G.C. Kitchens

Arnold G.C. Kitchens, 77, lifelong Bartlesville resident, was surrounded by his family when he died January 6 in his hometown.

Arnold was born the son of David Leon and Mary Katherine (Cox) Kitchens on May 24, 1948, in Bartlesville. He attended Bartlesville schools and attended College High. Arnold enlisted with the U.S. Army, and the day before he shipped out for boot camp he received his draft notice in the mail. His time of service between 1967 and 1969 was during the Vietnam Conflict. Arnold did not talk much about his years in the Army, but he was proud to be a veteran who served his country.

Once honorably discharged, Arnold met back up with a girl, Sharon Marie Franks. Their grandparents lived across the street from each other and they were acquainted while growing up. They united in marriage on August 2, 1971.

The loving couple made their home in Bartlesville where they raised four children. In fact, Arnold and Sharon raised their grandkids, everyone's cousins and everyone's friends who came to the house. Arnold worked 27 plus years at Tri County Vo Tech in the custodial services. Sharon preceded Arnold in death after 37 loving years of marriage in 2008.

When the kids were young the family enjoyed road trips to favorite fishing spots. Arnold and Sharon also took road trips near and far, sometimes just to drink coffee, and other times to Eureka Springs to do some antiquing. When Arnold had some free time on his own he could be found fishing or tinkering in his garage. When asked, the grandkids would sum up Grandpa: "Smelled like coffee, old spice, peppermint and firewood". Everyone remembers gathering at the house on Sundays for his smoked meat and cherished family time.

Arnold is survived by his children, Arnold (Raylynn Sebert) Kitchens, Stanley Kitchens, Kathy Woods and Sharon Kitchens, brother David (Peggy) Kitchens, 14 grandchildren, six great grandchildren and beloved dog Peaches. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sharon, his parents, and siblings, Virgil, Mary and Jimmy.

Graveside services will be held 2 p.m., Friday, January 9, 2026 at the Stokes Cemetery near Bar Dew Lake. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home – Dewey Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com