MORIARTY, N.M. - Dennis Kitchen, 55, died Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, N.M., after a brief illness. He was born Dec. 22, 1955, in Tupelo to Farrell and Ruth Kitchen. After graduating from Shannon High School in 1973, he followed his childhood dream of becoming an over-the-road truck driver. He was currently employed by Beco Inc. for the past 13 years, where he worked as a postal contractor and supervisor. He was known as a master of modern communications, using the latest tech devices in keeping up with driver, family and friends as he was traveling. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Edgewood, N.M., where he sang in the choir, taught, along with his wife, 3rd and 4th grade Sunday school, and attended church camp with the kids each year. He enjoyed taking motorcycle trips with his wife, camping, coyote calling, pheasant hunting and fishing. He loved his family and spending time with them.

Joint services for Dennis and his brother, Terry Kitchen, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at The Orchard with Pastor Brian Piatt officiating. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park. Lee Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Becky, of Moriarty, N.M.; one daughter, Kacie (Sam) Wellenseick of Denver, Colo.; his mother, Ruth Kitchen of Tupelo; three sisters, Angela (James) Patterson of Tupelo, Rita Kitchen and friend, Lori Snyder, of Tupelo, and Lisa (Terry) Rodgers of Sparks, Okla.; one brother, Michael (Doris) Kitchen; one sister-in-law, Sheila Kitchen of Hurricane; three stepchildren, Todd (Carol) Grimes and Troy (Heather) Grimes, all of Ulysses, Kan., and Amanda (Cody) Jaramillo of Las Cruces, N.M.; eight grandchildren, Trevor, Chelsey, Garet, Abigail, Luke and ReAnne Grimes, and Lillie and Emma Jaramillo; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Farrell Kitchen, and his brother, Terry Kitchen, who died just hours after him.

Pallbearers will be Sam Wellenseick, Todd Grimes, Troy Grimes, Brandon Patterson, Sean Patterson and Nathan Patterson.

Visitation will be held at The Orchard from 5 to 8 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. to service time Saturday.