Obituary of Lee Kirby

Herbert Lee Kirby, 85, long-time resident of Doniphan, Missouri, departed this life Friday, May 16, 2014, at Southeast Health Center of Ripley County. Mr. Kirby, son of Owen Coy and Mary (Rowan) Kirby, was born September 16, 1928, in Aldrich (Polk County), Missouri. He had been manager of Smith's Lumber Company in Doniphan. Mr. Kirby was ordained as a minister in 1978 and had pastored several churches in the area including the Living Word Christian Center in downtown Doniphan which he commenced. He enjoyed visiting the sick and also liked going to the nursing homes to comfort the aged. He was a frequent visitor at area funeral homes, ministering to grieving families in their time of loss, and he also preached many funeral services. Mr. Kirby loved the Lord and shared the gospel wherever he traveled. He was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Kirby enjoyed hunting, fishing, cattle farming and gardening. He was also an avid basketball fan, following his children and grandchildren as Doniphan Dons and he also liked watching games on television. In later years Mr. Kirby began woodworking as a hobby and created beautiful tables, lamps and bowls. His most treasured times were those spent with his family. On July 1, 1947, he was married to Georgia Glenn O'Neal in Harrison, Arkansas. She preceded him in death on January 19, 2005. Surviving are two sons, Leotis (Donna) Kirby of Doniphan, and Glen (Robin) Kirby of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; four grandchildren, Derrick (Angela) Kirby of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Devin (Angel) Kirby of Doniphan, Angela (Bryan) Nixon of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Adam Kirby of Manhattan, New York; six great-grandchildren, Megan, Sean, Gracen, Makenna, Lilah and Kirby; one sister, Mary Lou McGheehee of Springfield, Missouri; and one sister-in-law, Wanda Kirby of Bolivar, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and one brother, Joe Kirby. Visitation for Mr. Kirby will be held Tuesday May 20 5-8 PM at the Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan. Funeral services will take place Wednesday May 21 10 AM at the Edwards Funeral Home chapel in Doniphan with Ron Weist officiating. Burial will follow in the Doniphan City Cemetery.