Lieutenant Colonel Kerry Lynn Cailteux, U.S. Army (Retired), 67, passed away suddenly on Monday, November 23, 2020. Born on February 4, 1953, in Concordia, Kansas, Kerry grew up in Clyde, Kansas the eldest of four Cailteux siblings. Kerry’s independent and determined spirit led him to live a unique life in the service of his country.
After graduating from Clyde High School, Kerry attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. Upon graduation from West Point in 1975, Kerry was commissioned a Lieutenant in the Armor branch and attended the Armor Officer Basic Course at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. He was then stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, serving as a platoon leader and company executive officer. Kerry then attended the Armor Officer Advanced Course at Fort Knox. After this course, Kerry was sent to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California where he studied Arabic and obtained a Master of Arts Degree in National Security Affairs. After his studies, the Army sent Kerry and his family to Tunisia for a year to further his Arabic studies followed by the Office of Military Cooperation in Beirut. After another posting at Fort Riley to serve as a Squadron Operations Officer and Assistant Division Operations Officer, the Army stationed him at additional posts in the Middle East, including Lebanon, Oman and Cairo, Egypt as a Foreign Area Officer. In Cairo, where he eventually settled, Kerry managed the largest US Army Foreign Military Financing funded security assistance program in the world at the time and traveled throughout the Middle East in carrying out his duties. During his military career, Kerry was granted numerous awards for his outstanding service and leadership, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (twice), the Meritorious Service Medal (twice), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal (2d Award), the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (3 Campaign Stars), the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2d Award), the Parachute Badge, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award (twice), the Kuwait Liberation Medal and the Lebanese Order of the Cedars, Officers Class. Kerry graduated from the U.S. Army War College, the Armed Forces Staff College, and the State Department’s Foreign Service Institute. As described in his many annual evaluations by his superior officers, Kerry was a tremendously talented, brilliant, and knowledgeable officer with an exceptional analytical mind. He was dedicated, a quick study with sound judgement and willing to undertake any task, at any time, under any conditions. After retirement from the Army in 2000, Kerry continued to serve his country for two more decades as a U.S. civilian contractor based in Cairo. In his last position, Kerry served as Director of the Middle East for the Advanced Technology Systems Company (ATSC), acting as an in-country liaison with the Egyptian Ministry of Defense, Armament Authority, and Egyptian Military Services for ATSC programs in Egypt and across the Middle East.
During his free time, Kerry loved to read and had a thirst for knowledge. At a young age, he read an entire set of encyclopedias from A-Z. He could always be found with a book in his hands. And when he did not have a book in his hands, he could be found with his computer, i-Pad, or phone, because he was also a whiz with electronics. Kerry had a big heart and loved to help others. He had a special ability to stay positive, tell stories, and especially loved making corny jokes.
Kerry is survived by his wife Gilda, and by his siblings Konrad (Christine) Cailteux of New York, NY; Kaylene (John) Curtis of New Smyrna Beach, FL; and Marlene (Gayle) Cailteux of Lenexa, KS; children Kathleen DesOrmeaux of Williamsburg, Virginia; Michael Cailteux of Norfolk, Colorado; Karelynn (Travis) Overfelt of Lee’s Summit, MO; Sherlynn (Chris) Siok of Lee’s Summit, MO; and Kylie Cailteux of Kansas City, MO; niece Lauren (Kyle) Maples of Washington, DC; grandchildren D’Artagnan, Charlie May, and Liam.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Ethel (Midgie) Cailteux.
His spirit will be with us for an outside funeral service and burial on Friday, Dec. 11, 2020 at 1:00 PM at the Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Clyde, Kansas with Fr. Steven Heina officiating. Military Honors conducted by Ft. Riley Big Red One, Ft. Riley, Kansas and VFW Post #7515, Clyde, Kansas. For family and friends who cannot travel and would like to attend, his service will be posted on the website afterwards. Memorial contributions may be given to the West Point Association of Graduates and VFW Post #7515 c/o Chaput Mortuary of Clyde. Online condolences may be sent to www.chaputbuoy.com.