from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Calvin B. Kitchell, 86, of Rensselaer, Ind., formerly of Wanatah, Ind., died Feb. 11, 2013.

He was born May 10, 1926, in Deer Creek Township, Ind., the son of Charles and Rebecca (Beck) Kitchel.

Mr. Kitchell was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II, serving on the USS Bostich and USS Summer, and earned his teaching and administration degrees from Ball State University and Purdue University. He had worked as a teacher and principal for 40 years, retiring in 1983 from the Michigan City School Corporation.

Mr. Kitchell had been involved in harness racing for more than 35 years as an owner, trainer and driver, racing his horses throughout Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois. One of his favorite and most successful horses was the Illinois stakes champion St Elmo Eagle.

He also spent a number of years as a board member of the Laporte County Fair in Laporte, Ind., where he helped oversee the harness racing programs each summer.

On June 4, 1954, in Logansport, he married Miriam “Mimi” Riggins, who preceded him in death in 1993.

He is survived by his children, Mark (Cheryl), Barbara, Chuck (Julie) and Mary Ellen; grandchildren, Sean, Adam, Andrew, Caroline, David, Aspen and Jaimz; great-grandchildren, Gabe, Erin, Charli and Bijou; and brother, Samuel. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; son, Ronald; rothers, George and Thomas; and sisters, Roberta and JoAnna.