Howard W. Kilgore

Howard W. Kilgore, 75, died Tuesday, Sept 30, 2008, at his residence in Bartow of complications due to Alzheimers. Mr. Kilgore was born Oct 12, 1932 in Sylvester, Ga. He graduated from Turkey Creek High School, Class of 1951. Mr. Kilgore has been a resident of Bartow since 1950 moving from Turkey Creek.He was a design engineer for the Department of Transportation for 35 years. After retiring from DOT, he worked for the consulting firm, Kunde, Sprecher & Assoc. for 10 years and was instrumental in helping to open the Bartow office of Aim Engineering which he managed for several years. Mr. Kilgore was an avid bowler for 40 years, holding several offices in the Orange Belt Bowling Assoc. He was a Sergent with the Florida National Guard 149th Field Artillary Battalion. He was a member of Bartow Main Street Baptist Church. Mr. Kilgore loved gardening, coin and stamp collecting. Howard was greatly admired by all who knew him as a person who would do anything in his power to help you. His big smile and even bigger heart will be missed by all who knew him and loved him. He is survived by his wife of 43 years Mary Frances Kilgore of Bartow. son: Ben Kilgore & daughter: Melinda Kilgore both of Bartow; two step daughters: Kathi & husband Dr. John Bendeck of Elgin, S.C. and Lori Carlton of Bartow; step son, Jay & wife Shannon Carlton of Valrico; two brothers, W.J. & wife Mary Kilgore of Turkey Creek; & A.B. Kilgore of Kamiah, ID; 2 grandchildren; 6 step grandchildren; 3 step great grandchildren. Family will receive friends Thursday Oct 2, 2008, 6-8 PM at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow. Funeral services will be held Friday, 11 am at Main Street Baptist Church, 1140 E. Main St, Bartow. Interment will be at Wildwood Cemetery in Bartow. Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice 105 Arneson Ave. Auburndale, 33823 or Alzheimer's Association 9365 U.S. Hwy. 19 North, Suite B Pinellas Park, FL 34666. Condolences to the family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com