Eldon "Sam" Edward Kitchen, 98, of Fayetteville passed away on May 5, 2024.

Sam was born on April 5, 1926, in Waukegan, Illinois to the late Eldon L. Kitchen and Marie E. Young Kitchen.

He served with U.S. Marines and the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division where he fought in the WWII, Korean and Vietnam wars. He retired as a Colonel after 30 years of service. Sam received numerous awards and medals including Master Parachute, Master Aviator, the Distinguished Flying Cross, 8 Air Medals, Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

After retirement from the military, he worked in hotel management. He was a member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends from 1-1:50 p.m. on Thursday at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home followed by a service at 2 p.m. in the Chapel. Entombment with Military Honors will be held at Lafayette Memorial Park Mausoleum.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Peggy  Marie Kitchen; sons, Monte Hall, and Edward Riggs; and   son-in-law, Jim Williamson

He is survived by his son, Daryl Kitchen; daughters, Terri Hall Williamson, Denise Hall and husband Wayne Sherrill, Tina Hall Eddy and husband Terry, Deborah Prelio and husband Tom; daughter-in-law, Nery Riggs; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.

Online condolences may be made at http://www.jerniganwarren.com

Funeral arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, N.C. 28301