Michael Everett Kitchen of, Balsam Grove, passed away, November 5, 2024, at home with his family.

He was born in Transylvania County on July 17, 1947, to the late Randall Everett Kitchen and Hazel H. Kitchen of Balsam Grove.

Michael graduated from Rosman High School in 1965. Following a year at the American Thread Company in Rosman, he joined the United States Marines. He served our country from November 1966 to November 1969. During that time, he spent 13 months in Da Nang, Vietnam where he was a Sergeant and Rifle Expert. Returning home, he spent the rest of his time serving at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. While at Camp Lejeune he married his high school sweetheart. After an honorable discharge, he went back to work at American Thread Company for several months. He then went to work for the next 26 years at the Rosman Research Station until they closed. Working alongside his family, he also grew Christmas trees for many years.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Catherine Summey Kitchen of Balsam Grove; son Travis W. Kitchen of Balsam Grove; daughter Tracy A. Manoogian and husband Jason and their children James, Benjamin, Bethany and Michael all of Cedar Mountain; daughter Ruth Anne Newton and husband Greg and son Jake of Little River; and brother Donald and wife Cathey of Balsam Grove, as well as many other loved family members.

The funeral service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Shoal Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Patrick Owen officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial with military rites will be in Woods Cemetery.

Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com.