1925 – 2013
William Aitken Kimble, age 88, passed away April 16, 2013. He was born in New Orleans, La., on April 7, 1925. He was the second son born to Edmond Lawrence Kimble and Emma Purcell Aitken. He attended LaSalle School and Fortier High School. He was a graduate of Tulane University with a Bachelor of Engineering degree. He was a member of the Naval Reserve Officer’s Corps and was commissioned as an Ensign upon graduation. He served in the US Navy as an engineering officer.
Mr. Kimble was employed for 35 years at Avondale Shipyards. After a series of positions he was made manager of Service Foundry, and subsequently, he was promoted to a Vice Presidency. In addition to his work at Avondale, he made the castings of the Mayor Morrison Monument which stands in Duncan Plaza. He managed the construction of a replica of a Cast Iron Cistern at the Herman-Grimma Home. He worked for many years with sculptor Bill Ludwig on many bronze pieces of art including the Vietnam monument located at the Super Dome.
He served on the Board of Trustees of St. Martin’s Episcopal School and on the Board of the Alumni Association of the Tulane NROTC. He served as President of the Marine Club of New Orleans.
He is predeceased by his father and mother, his wife of 64 years and an older brother. He is survived by four children, Major Steven Kimble (Ret), John Kimble MD, Mrs. Linda Powell, and William F. Kimble, CPA; ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Mr. Kimble was a lifelong member of the St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, the Steel Founders Society of America, the Marine Club, the American Foundry Association and Louisiana Lodge.
Funeral services will be held at St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church in New Orleans on Saturday, April 20, 2013 with visitation at 1:00 PM and the service at 2:00 PM. Burial will be private. A reception for family and friends will be held Saturday, April 20, 2013 beginning at 5:30 pm at 715 East Scenic Drive, Pass Christian, MS.
Memorials may be made to St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Pass Christian is in charge of arrangements. Tributes may be shared with the family at www.riemannfamily.com.
Published in The Sun Herald from April 18 to April 19, 2013