John McKittrick
John Henry McKittrick, 90, of Milan passed away of natural causes on Sunday, September 22, 2024. He passed peacefully at his home surrounded by family. He was born in Milan on June 10, 1934, the son of James and Helen Parsons McKittrick. John started life by joining the Marine Corps in 1951 at age 17. For service to his country John received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. While in the Marines he met and married Roselyn Knudtson and they would eventually have three children. After the Marines John worked several jobs until he concluded he wanted to start a construction company. He started McKittrick Contracting in 1970 and with his son Dennis purchased hi first piece of land along US 50 just outside Milan which he sub-divided and sold. This first real estate transaction paved the way for another business, JRM Development which went on to acquire and develop thousands of acres of land throughout the region. John’s third business was the acquisition of the Koeng (SP) Hotel in Milan in the 1990s which he remodeled and reopened as the Milan Railroad Inn which successfully served Milan for many years. Outside business, John was highly involved in the community. He served on the Ripley County Bank Board of Directors from 1997 to 2006 and was actively involved with American Legion Post 235 in Milan for over 50 years. John was also a member of the Bridge of Hope Worship Center. John married Patricia Heltron in 1998 and together they started McKittrick Real Estate in Milan, buying, selling, and developing properties. Upon retirement, John’s passion became woodworking. He was a long-time member of the SEI Woodturners Club. John spent many an hour in his workshop turning wood and creating decorative and functional pieces, including furniture. John is survived by his wife Patricia; three children Dennis McKittrick of Milan, Rhonda Harvey of Milan, and Tom (Kristin) McKittrick of Charlotte, North Carolina; grandsons Eric, Brian, Riley, Max, and Tyler; five great-grandchildren; sisters Rita Pulley and Betty Cook, plus many dear extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Howard, James, Jr., Robert, and David. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 26 at 10 a.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Doug Norman officiating. Burial will be in the Craven Cemetery in Milan with military honors by the Milan American Legion. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Memorials may be given to the Milan American Legion or the Bridge of Hope in care of the funeral home.
