Bruce Allen Kilgore

Bruce Allen Kilgore, avid outdoorsman, successful businessman, devoted husband and father died peacefully on Monday, August 10, 2015 in The Woodlands, Texas at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife, Marsha; four children, Gayelene McIngvale, Charles Kilgore, Thomas Kilgore, Toi Boyd and their spouses; step-children, Nicole Moore and Barret Davis; grandchildren, Sam McIngvale, Anna Smart, Max Kilgore, John Boyd, Hank Kilgore, Sarah Boyd and step-grandchildren, Connor Moore and Kingston Davis. His eldest son, Bruce Kilgore Jr, preceded him in death.

He was the sixth of seven children to Harry and Adeline Kilgore, born in Brenham, Texas on February 20, 1933. He grew up in Eagle Lake, Texas and graduated from Eagle Lake High School in 1952. He lettered in football, basketball, and was a track star setting a record in the mile. He moved to College Station, Texas, and became a cadet in the Texas A&M Corp. Shortly thereafter; he joined the U.S. Army to fight in the Korean Conflict. He provided radar support to track troop movements and guide night bombing.

In 1953, he married Coraphine McDonald of Eagle Lake, Texas and together they had five children. Upon returning from the Army, he moved to Lafayette, Louisiana to begin his career in oil and gas industry in 1956. He spent a few years as a Mud Engineer before moving into Oil Field Sales. He rose to become Vice President of Gulf Mississippi Marine Corporation and relocated to Houston, Texas in 1979. In 1981, Bruce started Kilgore Marine Inc., still in operation today. Bruce never complained about going to work, he loved his job. When he called on customers, it was like spending time with friends. He loved to take customers and friends hunting, fishing and golfing. If he met you, you were a friend for life. If you needed help, he was your first call. If someone had a flat tire, he would change it. If a tree fell, he was the first one there with a chain saw. If you needed to borrow a gun, binoculars, or a hunting coat, he loaned you his and insisted that you keep it. Money was never important to him; spending time with friends was his prize. He loved people and lived for friends, family, and relationships.

In 1996, he married Marsha Davis of Houston, Texas and enjoyed many years of exploring the world together. They visited six continents, missing only Antarctica. Bruce loved to travel. He also had a passion for outdoor adventures including bear hunting in Canada, African Safaris, fishing in the Amazon, and elk hunting in Colorado. He hunted the Sullivan Ranch in Northwest Colorado for 42 consecutive years. He also kept a deer lease in Del Rio, Texas for 27 years. He was a cowboy and had a deep passion for the outdoors.

Bruce was Catholic and a member of Spindletop Charities, International Association of Drilling Contractors, American Petroleum Institute, Offshore Marine Service Association, Society of Petroleum Engineers, and the Association of Retired Oilfield Executives. Bruce was a recipient of the Spindletop International Service Award as a result of his steadfast dedication to Spindeltop Charities Inc., an organization helping at-risk youth in Greater Houston Area. He served as a Spindletop Advisory Director for many years. He was a long time member of Oakbourn Golf Club in Lafayette, a charter member of Raveneaux Country Club in Houston and The Woodlands Country Club.

Funeral services will be at Forest Park in The Woodlands at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 14, 2015. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to: Spindeltop Charities, Inc., Attn: Ms. C White, 4646 West Sam Houston Parkway North, Houston, Texas 77041.

Happy Trails Bruce