The Honorable Oliver S. Kitzman, 86, of Pattison, Texas, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ, surrounded by family, on Thursday, January 14, 2021.  Judge Kitzman was born in rural Waller County off Adams Flat Road near Pattison on August 21, 1934. 

Judge Kitzman worked in a general law practice from 1965 to 1967 when he was appointed District Attorney by Governor John Connally.  He served in that position for the 155^th Judicial District, covering Waller, Fayette, and Austin Counties, from 1967 to 1979.  In 1979, Governor Bill Clements appointed him District Judge of the 155^th, a post he served honorable until retirement in 1990.  He then enjoyed what he referred to as the best years of his career as a Senior District Judge, regularly presiding over various district courts throughout the State of Texas.  In 2002, he came out of retirement to once again serve his home county was elected Waller County Criminal District Attorney.  He served in that position until he resigned to faithfully care for his wife, Norma Jean, who had become terminally ill.

During his career, Judge Kitzman was revered amongst his peers and honored to serve them as Vice President the National District Attorneys Association, President of the Texas District & County Attorneys Association, Chairman of the State Bar of Texas (Criminal Law Section), President of the Texas Aggie Bar Association, and several other distinguished positions.

He also enjoyed selfless service to his community and church as a leader in the Pattison United Methodist Church, Waller County Historical Society and Commission, Brookshire Lions Club, Brookshire Lodge 1066, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Association, San Jacinto Lung Association, American Lung Association, Houston-Galveston Area Council, Texas Longhorn Breeders Association, and the Farm Bureau.

Oliver is preceded in death by parents, Henry Louis and Martha Ehlert Kitzman, Sr., brothers: Ellis, Henry, and Norman Kitzman, sisters: Gleister Biddy, LaVerne Dow Landig, and Lydia House, wife of 44 years: Norma Jean, and son: Donnelly. 

He is survived by his son, (Oliver) Stanley Kitzman, Jr., daughter Erin Sanders and husband Jimmy, brother Bill Kitzman and wife Mary Grace, sisters-in-law Carolyn Kitzman and Beverly Kitzman.  Granddaughters: Savannah and Delanie Kitzman, Sarah and Allison Sanders.

Funeral services were held January 17, 2021 at the Pattison Volunteer Fire Department.  Interment was at the Pattison Methodist Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to Gideons International, the Lions Club, Brookshire Lodge 1056.