William, second child of Samuel Axtel and Julian Ann Kitch, was born February 27, 1861, near Shelbyville, Ill. He departed this life at the home of his son, Harry, in Larned, Wednesday, Nov. 17, at the age of 82 years, 9 months and 17 days. He grew to manhood in Illinois and came to Kansas in 1883. One year later he came to Pawnee county and took a claim in Grant township, on which he spent the larger part of his life.
        One June 8, 1890 he was married to Carrie Belle Durand. To them were born 11 children, nine sons and two daughters. They are Ross and Harry of Larned, Lloyd of Ness City, Bessie who died in 1933, Dwight who is pastor of the Methodist church at Worland, Wyo., Forrest of Beatrice, Nebr., Fern of Neosho Falls, Kans., Leonard who died in 1915, Garrett of Salina, Homer who died in infancy, and Vera Antram of Grand Ridge, Ill. He leaves 20 grandchildren and four great grandchildren in addition to his immediate family; three sisters and two brothers, Mrs. Cora Brown, of Larned, Mrs. Edith Hoag of Mankato, Mrs. Clara Garrison of Fayetteville, Ark., Charles of Winfield, and Sam of Rocky Ford, Colo.

        In the early years, Mr. Kitch endured the hardships of the pioneer days. Most of his life he was engaged in farming and raising livestock on his farm north of Rozel. At one time he was county commissioner of the first district, and for years was precinct committeeman from his township. He assisted in organizing one of the first school districts in his township. He was one of the first members of the Methodist church, known as the Mission Ridge church.  He as been a faithful member all his life. For many years he served as superintendent of his Sunday school.

        From the farm he moved to Rozel in 1924, and lived there until 1941. His wife died in 1940. Two years ago he came to Larned to make his home with his son Harry.

        Funeral services were held Friday, November 19, at the Rozel Methodist     church and were conducted by Rev. Charles Kitch of Winfield, a brother of the
deceased assisted by Rev. E. E. Elliott. A quartet composed of Clarence Ofrman, Raymond Scott, Mrs. Charles Arnold and Mrs. Elmer Arnold, sang “Sweet Bye and Bye,” with Mrs. Raymond Scott as accompanist.
        Pall bearers were Frank Brannan, Fred Balman, Louis Pfenninger, C. E. Smith, Guy Ellis and Herbert Drake. Burial was in the Rozel cemetery. All members of the family were able to attend the service with the exception of Rev. Dwight Kitch and Mrs. Vera Antrim.