Anthony Blake Kile

Anthony Blake Kile, son of James and Cheryl Kile, was born on Jan. 4, 1975 in Springfield. He grew up, along with his sister, Cheli, in Republic. He graduated from Republic High School in 1993. He was saved and baptized at Battlefield Baptist Church in 1986. In 1987 his family became members of First Baptist Republic.
He loved his dogs and his horses and he won many ribbons, trophies and awards. A special thanks to his 4-H leader, Kim Turner, who was a great mentor and friend.
After high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, Miss. as a Law Enforcement specialist. While there, he was also deployed to Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm. He was able to become a certified scuba diver in the Persian Gulf. He also was deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where he was assigned to guard the Cuban citizens seeking asylum. It was called operation “rafter crisis” and he was there for five months.
After his military service, he enrolled at Drury University where he studied criminal justice. He then enrolled at Ozark Technical College where his emphasis was on history. While at OTC, he took sign language classes so he could communicate with his special nephew, Jayce, who was born deaf.
Later he was employed at Friendly Ford as a service tech. After two years, he was promoted to assistant manager – Quick Lube. He decided to seek employment at Republic Ford so he could be closer to his dogs, Domino, and Adara. He later acquired a very active Belgian Malinois he named Jade.
He is preceded in death by his grandpa, Wayne Crisp and grandmother, Delphia Kile. He is survived by his parents, James and Cheryl Kile, sister, Cheli Kile, Nephews, Jayce and Drayden, nieces, Courtlyn and Jaylyn, grandparents, James and Evelyn Wright and many other relatives and friends.
Visitation was on Monday, Dec. 1, from 5-7 p.m. at Meadors Funeral Home in Republic. His service was at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Republic First Baptist Church. Tony was laid to rest at 1 p.m. at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist of Republic or the charity of your choice.