Wayne Kitchen, 74 passed away at his home in Kearney, MO on August 27, 2020 with his family at his side after his short battle with cancer. Funeral Service: Sunday, August 30, 2020 at 2:00 PM, held at Lions Park, 304 S. Jefferson St., Kearney, MO. Burial; Monday, August 31, 2020 at 11:00 AM held at Blackburn Cemetery, Blackburn, MO. He was a Missouri farm boy at heart and was born to Frank and Lucille Gowin Kitchen in Waverly, MO on June 19, 1946. He participated and showed Angus Cattle while in 4-H and was a true showmanship with his cattle at the Missouri State Fair or American Royal each year. He graduated from Santa Fe High School in the class of 1964. His love of cars brought him to Kansas City, MO where he went to Mechanic's school and was chosen to participate in the GM training program. But his love for the small-town country life led him back to Saline County where he decided to enter the Army National Guard in Marshall, MO. In May of 1968, he became a Missouri State Trooper for the state of Missouri. He was assigned to be a trooper in Platte/Clay County and planted roots in Kearney, MO. He then went on to pursue a college degree in Criminal Justice with a master's in Safety. After getting his degree's he went to work for Yellow Cab Co. as a Safety Director. He also worked for Midwest Kenworth Co. for 8 years. He finished his career working for Volvo Heavy Duty Corp. as a Fleet Service Manager for 21 years, where he worked with many co-workers all over the US. Wayne was a car enthusiast from the age of 3 and was best known as the "Pontiac Man". He enjoyed building Pontiac cars, helping on any problems regarding a Pontiac, attending car cruises, and showing his cars which, he often took 1st place. He was always ready for his family time whether is was boating with his grandkids or attending their choir performances, sports events, and going to school events. His love of his 10 grandkids was the love of his life. Wayne and Patty always spent the winters in Destin, FL. which they called their paradise place. He married his high school sweetheart Patty Wright Kitchen on August 28, 1966 in Carrolton, MO and was married for 54 years. They spent many years enjoying time with family, friends, grandkids, and traveling. Wayne is survived by his wife Patty Kitchen, three children; Kelli Renee Kitchen Harrison (Cliff), their children Alex and Mason, Shawn Wayne Kitchen (Anna), their children Drue, Vance, Kole, Kruze, and Kash, Kris Kitchen (LeAnn), their children Kaylee, Megan, and Kendall. One brother; Larry Kitchen (Mary Ellen), one neice and three nephews. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends in both Missouri and Florida. But his legacy will always be for his love of his grandkids. Donations maybe made to Mayo Clinic, Melanoma Research, Mayoclinic.org or Mayo Clinic, PO Box 450, Albert Lea, MN 56007