Thomas Wayne “Wayne” Kitchens, 84, was born Friday, July 21, 1933 and died Monday, January 1, 2018 surrounded by family. Wayne, originally from Alabama, moved to Louisiana in 1950 where he attended and graduated from Amite High School. Wayne received a football scholarship to Southeastern Louisiana University and earned a letter all four years in college. Wayne also served in the US Army during the Korean conflict and upon his return home from the service met and married his wife of 61 years, Imogene “Jean” Kinchen Kitchens.

Wayne coached high school football for several years. He and his wife Jean generously provided a temporary home to many children not their own, including David Ordogne and Andrew Ordogne (deceased). Wayne retired from Vocational Rehabilitation Services where he was a region manager, helping the physically and mentally disabled.

Wayne is survived by his daughter, Rosamaend Oglesbee, and husband Tom Oglesbee; son, Roger Kitchens; grandson, Kitch Taylor.  Also survived by sister, Sarah Peterson.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Lillie Mae Sullivan Kitchens and Woodie Eugene Kitchens; siblings, Edward "Tamp" Kitchens, Barbara Bennett, and Thelma Matthews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service in the chapel of Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401, on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 1:00 pm.  Visitation will begin at 11:00 am until 1:00 pm.

Interment will follow in Jerusalem Baptist Church Cemetery, Pumpkin Center, Louisiana.

Donations may be made to the Louisiana Baptist Children's Home, P.O. Box 4196, Monroe, Louisiana  71211, or online at http://www.lbch.org, in memory of Wayne.

To view and sign the family guest book, please visit www.harrymckneely.com.