BRIDGEPORT — Robert Earl Kittle, 81, of Bridgeport WV, departed this life and ascended for eternity to dwell among God's saints in heaven, on Monday, May 16, 2016. He died at Meadowview Manor after a long illness.
Bob Kittle had a distinguished career in public education in West Virginia. He served as Superintendent of Kanawha County Schools (the state's largest school system) from 1978 to 1984. He served one year as Superintendent of Randolph County Schools in 1985. Kittle completed his outstanding 43-year career in public education serving 15 years as Superintendent of Harrison County Schools until his retirement from public education in 2000.
During his years of service Kittle earned recognition as the WV State Superintendent of the Year in 1991; Harrison County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1993; Lions Club International Mentor of the Year in 1997; Moderator for President Bill Clinton's Town Hall Meeting on Education in Clarksburg, WV in 1997; and Distinguished West Virginian Award (presented by Gov. Cecil Underwood) in 2000.
Kittle's career was highlighted by the passage of multiple school levies and bonds including a $58.8 million school bond in 1991 to build the state-of-the-art Robert C. Byrd High School, two elementary schools and major renovations to existing facilities.
Also, Kittle was instrumental in the levy funding that supports additional compensation and benefits to Harrison County educators, making them among the highest paid in the state.
In addition, he directed the expansion of technology in Harrison County Schools curriculum, which resulted in a national ranking among leaders in technology. Twenty-three schools under Kittle's leadership earned National Blue Ribbon distinction or state Schools of Excellence honors.
Bob Kittle served as a mentor to numerous public school administrators and community leaders. He will be sadly missed. But, he has certainly left his mark for generations to come.
In addition, he served on numerous community boards and councils: United Hospital Center and West Virginia United Health System boards of directors, Fairmont State University Board of Governors (Board Chair in 2007), Alderson-Broaddus Board of Governors, West Virginia Human Resource Investment Council, West Virginia Workforce Development Council, West Virginia Rural Development Council, West Virginia Association of School Administrators (President in 1992-93), charter member of Kanawha Valley Phi Delta Kappa, Harrison County Chamber of Commerce and the Harrison County United Way.
Bob was born January 10, 1935 in Flemington, WV, the son of Bertsel Earl Kittle and Ruth Ball Kittle. His maternal grandparents were Abigail and Robert Ball. His paternal grandparents were James and Emma Myrtle Kittle.
In addition to his parents and grandparents he was pre-deceased by an infant brother, William Kittle, his daughter-in-law Dawne Jones Kittle and his first wife Margo Massey Kittle.
He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Marianna Arthur Kittle; son R. Matthew Kittle of Bridgeport, WV and daughter Marian Kittle Price of Fairmont, WV; "Poppa" to three grandchildren: Hallie "Little Bob" Kittle (a senior at Fairmont State); Dahlton Kittle (a junior at WV Wesleyan) and Mateah Kittle (graduating May 22 from Bridgeport High School and plans to attend WVU) all of Bridgeport, WV.
In addition, he is survived by his brother Ron Kittle (wife Sandy) of Flemington, WV; sister Bassha Weekly (husband David) of Clarksburg, WV; brother-in-law Robert Arthur II (Dorothy Pfohl) of Holly Springs, NC and brother-in-law Max Massey (wife Peggy) of Ansted, WV.
Also surviving are his aunts Pat Davis (husband Bob) of Waxhaw, NC; Jean Redden of La Quinta, CA; Ada Kittle of Westernport, MD and Lorraine Kittle of Pasadena, MD; nephews Jeff Kittle (wife Becky) of Flemington, WV; Rodney Kittle (wife Kelsie) of Flemington, WV; Ryan Kittle of Tampa, FL and Chad Weekly (wife Brandi) of Fairmont, WV; nieces Louanne McIntyre (husband Mark) of Clarksburg, WV; Rhonda Kittle, Pittsburgh, PA; Valerie Wetzel (husband Tim) of Miami, FL; Dina Keffer (husband Michael) of Charlton Heights, WV and Joan Poole (husband Robby) of Huntington, WV.
He is also survived by numerous great-nephews and nieces and great, great nephews and nieces as well as many cousins.
Bob will be especially missed by his special canine companion and "nap buddy" Bee Gee, a Yorkshire Terrier (named for the Blue and Gold of his beloved WVU Mountaineers).
Bob graduated from Flemington High School in Taylor County, WV and received his B.A. degree in Elementary Education from Alderson-Broaddus in 1957. He received his M.A. Degree in Elementary Administration from Marshall University in 1966. He earned his supervisor's certificate and his superintendent's endorsement from Marshall in 1977. He has completed more than 60 hours beyond his Master's degree toward a Ph.D. Alderson-Broaddus presented him with an Honorary Doctor of Education in 2000.
Kittle also worked 12 years as an executive consultant with Compass Learning, Inc., retiring in 2012.
Bob was a Master Mason (The Grand Lodge of West Virginia, A.F. & A.M.) with membership in Salina Lodge No. 27, Malden, WV. Also, he was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite and belonged to the Beni Kedem Shrine, Charleston, WV.
Bob and Marianna Kittle attended Simpson Creek Baptist Church in Bridgeport, WV. Bob had a strong desire to share his faith with his children and grandchildren and stressed the importance of Christian values.
His favorite Bible verses included: Proverbs 22:6, Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 91:11, Proverbs 3:5-6, Romans 8:28 and Philippians 4:13.
Visitation will be at Burnside Funeral Home, Thursday, May 19, 2016 from 2-8 p.m.
Funeral service will be at Simpson Creek Baptist Church, 231 Philadelphia Ave, Bridgeport, WV, Friday May 20, 2016 at 11 a.m. He will lie in state at the church for one hour prior to service (from 10-11 a.m.).
Rev. Dr. James Lutz will preside.
Interment will immediately follow the funeral service at Bridgeport Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to one of the following: Harrison County Student Achievement Program (a scholarship program that Bob Kittle was instrumental in launching). Make donations payable to HCBE — Student Achievement Program, P.O. Box 1370, Clarksburg, WV 26302-1370 or to Simpson Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, 231 Philadelphia Ave. Bridgeport, WV 26330.