E C Kilgore Jr

A ceremony celebrating the life of E. C. "Buddy" Kilgore Jr., will be held on Thursday April 24, 2025, at Bethany Church, South Campus, visitation will begin at 11:00 until time of the service at 12:00 noon. Interment will follow with Military Honors will be at Serenity Oaks Memorial Park Cemetery Prairieville. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday April 25, 2025, at Grace Memorial Baptist Church Slidell at 11:00 am.

Elva C Kilgore Jr. was known as E.C. by his friends and associates, but his loved ones would call him "Buddy." He was a beloved husband, Father, grandfather, brother, favorite uncle, and a faithful servant of the Lord. He went home to be with his Savior on April 1, 2025, at the age of 90.

Born September 11, 1934, in Bessemer, Alabama, E.C. was the son of Elva C Kilgore Sr. and Nellie Mae Rich Kilgore. He grew up in a home grounded in strong values, faith, and family, traits that would define his life and legacy.

E.C. proudly served his country as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army. During his time at Fort Monmouth in Manasquan, New Jersey, he met the love of his life, Doris Debra Neudel, at the Officers' Club. Their first dance was a jitterbug, which became a cherished tradition they shared every anniversary for the next 66 years. Their marriage was a beautiful example of enduring love and commitment. It was "Unforgettable," like their favorite song. E.C. adored Doris deeply and expressed that love every single day. He held her hand morning and night, often whispering, "I love you, girl… I've loved you all my life." That devotion was the heartbeat of their relationship—tender, constant, and true. One of his favorite songs, "I Will Go to My Grave Loving You" by the Statler Brothers, never failed to bring tears to his eyes because it perfectly captured how he felt about the woman who danced through life by his side.

Prior to his military service, E.C. earned his degree in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University, where he became a lifelong fan of the Auburn Tigers—War Eagle! He went on to enjoy a long and successful career in management with Schlumberger, a position that took his family across the country and allowed him to impact many lives. His career began in Texas, North Dakota, and New Mexico, and then he resided in Slidell for 45 years. He moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to live with his daughter, where he was cared for by loving caregivers who treated him like their own Father. In each place they lived, he built community and shared his steadfast Faith by his wife's side while she expressed her love by faithfully giving back rubs everywhere they went; he would share the Word.

For the past 45 years, E.C. was a devoted Grace Memorial Baptist Church member who worshiped faithfully alongside his wife. He shared his Father's love. He found joy in fellowship, especially golfing with his pastor and dear friend, Brother Bob Houstous, and many other cherished church friends, especially from his Sunday School. He and his wife went to Outback every week after Church, and they had a reserved booth. He was a passionate New Orleans Saints "Who Dat" fan. E.C. held season tickets for years and rarely missed a game.

E.C. is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Doris Debra Neudel; his loving daughter and "Daddy's Girl," Kathy K. Ferguson; and her husband, Eddie D. Ferguson, who looked up to him as a father and friend. He also leaves behind the treasured memory of his incredible son, Mark Steven Kilgore (who passed in 1997), his daughter-in-law, Rebecca Jackson (Kyle Jackson), and his loving grandchildren. Claire Horne and Mark Steven Kilgore II

He is also survived by his dear sister, Mary Nell Cowart; her late husband, William "Bill" Cowart; and their three children. He was loved by all His Nieces and Nephews from both sides of the family. Will, Lisa, and Susan are from the Kilgore side, and Michael and Debbie are from the Doris side. He was known as the "favorite uncle."

E.C. was the kind of man who made everyone feel like family. His impact was felt by all who knew him: his wisdom, his laughter, his loving hugs, and the quiet strength of his prayers.

He was a husband a wife couldn't imagine living without; He was the best Dad a daughter could ask for, and she was blessed to have him! He was a deeply loved and appreciated father-in-law and a greatly admired and adored grandfather. He was a perfect father figure for his grandson, Mark, in his Father's absence. E.C. was especially proud when his grandson Mark followed in his and Mark's late Father's footsteps by pursuing a degree in Engineering. Watching his grandson carry forward that legacy brought him immense pride and joy, and he never missed an opportunity to cheer him on. Through Mark, his influence and example will continue to live on for generations.

He was a faithful man of deep character, kindness, gentleness, and humility. He was a true gentleman with a gentle spirit and a twinkle in his eye, always making his loved ones and friends laugh. He would light up when his girl Angie would visit the room, and she would ask What are you doing, Mr. Buddy? He would say, " Hey girl, " then smile big and say, " Living the good life, I've had a blessed life." She would ask if he was ready to roll… and he would say I'm too old to rock and roll, but I'm way too young to die.

For those who knew and loved him, the love of "God the Father" was easy to understand because E.C. faithfully reflected that love in how he lived. Through his steady presence, gentle wisdom, and unwavering devotion, he gave his family a living example of The Father's heart, making it easy to trust in a Heavenly Father when they had such a loving one here on earth.

More than anything, E.C.'s life was defined by his love for God and his family. He was his family's hero. He fought the good fight of Faith and finished his race, and we know with confidence that he was greeted in heaven with the words he longed to hear: "Well done, my good and faithful servant. With you, I am well pleased."

Our hearts overflow with love, gratitude, and tears as we say goodbye. We salute him, blow him a kiss, and pray that he caught it in heaven. The last words he heard from his daughter were, "I love you, Daddy," and No Daughter could Love a Daddy more.

Lord, please hug him today and every day from the family who loves him deeply and misses him greatly beyond what mere words can express. He will be greatly missed!