Milton Solon Kimball

Milton Solon Kimball passed away on April 19, 2023, at 93 years old. He was born in Wilmur/Monterey Park, California to Milton and Lela Kimball on November 11, 1929. He graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara with a degree in economics and earned a master’s degree from the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University in 1968.

Milton joined the U. S. Navy flight program and served in Korea in 1953 flying F9F5 Panther jets off of the USS Princeton. His second tour of duty was on the USS Yorktown during the crisis off of Formosa. He earned six air medals and one combat commendation medal and earned the rank of lieutenant.  It was during flight training at NAS Kingsville that Milton met his wife, Susan.

He joined the State Bank of Kingsville in 1956 as an assistant cashier and later president. He retired in 1989. He later became a guide for the King Ranch for both historical and wildlife tours.  He was passionate about knowing the history, the wildlife, and the plant life in the area.

He received the Citizen of the Year Award in 1974 and the Otis West Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009; most of his outstanding service never showed on his resume. He had a lifetime of service content on caring for others. He was often seen trimming trees at the Chamberlain Cemetery, the Women’s Club building, or other places where needed. He made a point to visit those in the nursing homes.

Milton was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, serving as president for one term, as well as the Kingsville Economic Development Board. He was active in Boy Scouts most of his life earning an Eagle Scout award, serving on the Gulf Coast Council BSA and earning the Silver Beaver Award, their highest honor.  He was a lifelong member and past president of the Noon Lions Club. He was also a member of the Gideons and First Presbyterian Church. Milton and Susan taught the Community Bible study for many years. During his life he served on many community boards and committees, including Make and Keep Kingsville Beautiful, Chamberlain Cemetery Board, Brookshire Foundation, and the Kingsville Boys Club.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Susan Smith Kimball; daughter, Carole Kimball Hall; granddaughter, Kirstyn Kimball; great-granddaughter, Contessa Shive; parents, Milton and Lela Kimball; and brother, Richard Kimball.

Among those left to cherish his memory are his children, Kathy Kimball, Scott Kimball (Nittaya), Kenny Kimball (Jorja), and Janet Kimball Kelly; grandchildren, Natalie Privett Yu, Clayton Kimball, Tristan Kimball, Palmy Kimball, Kara Shive, Ethan Kimball, Katherine Kimball, Patrick Kelly, Daniel Kelly, Grace Kelly, Andrew Kelly, Joshua Kelly, Joseph Kelly, Matthew Kelly, Dylan Hall, Julia Hall, Sammy Hall, Luke Hall, Ronnie Hall and Geddy Hall; eleven great-grandchildren; two nephews; and one niece.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Kingsville with fellowship following the service.

Donations in Milton’s memory can be made to the Texas Lions Camp at www.lionscamp.com.