Robert E. Kirby, who was known as both Bud and Bob to family and friends, died March 6, 2024, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana in Columbus, Indiana. He was 88.
Robert was born September 6, 1935, in Anderson, Indiana, to Lawrence Ulysses “Jack” and Linnie Belle (Girt) Kirby. He spent much of his youth in Jennings County and graduated from Anderson High School, then proudly joined the U.S. Air Force, serving in Korea, Turkey, and other sites abroad. Returning to the U.S., he was stationed in Texas, where he attended Corpus Christi University for 3 years.
On June 22, 1961, in North Vernon, Bob was married to Dorothy Helen Pyles, who preceded him in death on February 13, 2023.
After their marriage, Bob and Dorothy moved to San Angelo, Texas, where he was stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base. They returned to Jennings County in 1965, and Bud worked at Arvin’s before being employed at Cummins where he retired after 30 years.
Upon retirement, Bob and Dorothy served as pastors in Church of God (Anderson movement) congregations in Battle Ground, West Lafayette, and Fort Wayne, Indiana. He and Dorothy then returned to their home in Jennings County.
He was a longtime and devoted attendee of Nebraska Church of God throughout his years in Jennings County, as long as his health allowed.
Bob is survived by daughters, Vickie Kirby of Sherman, Texas, and Karen (Damon) Broady of Hope; sons, Rick (Patty) Kirby of Hope and Steve (Bobbi) Kirby of North Vernon; and grandchildren Josh (Kelsey) Siegel of Washington, Indiana; Haley Siegel of Indianapolis; Kelli Brewer of Paris Crossing; Becky Brewer of Westport; and Nathan (Jill) Culp of Fort Wayne, as well as 10 great-grandchildren.
He also is survived by his sister, Caroline Gilroy of Lander, Wyoming, and by sisters-in-law, Catherine Pyles Fisher (Bob) of Cleveland, Texas; Sharon Pyles Kirby of Huron; Paula Pyles of Westport; and Connie Kirby of Toccoa, Georgia, plus numerous nieces and nephews.
Born following the infant death of his sister, Nancy, Bud was the oldest of six children and was preceded in death by his brother, Arthur Kirby and wife, Deann of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; James Kirby of Anderson; Wayne and wife Joann Kirby of Anderson; and Paul Kirby of Huron. He also was preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Walter Gilroy of Lander, Wyoming; Raymond Pyles of Westport; and John and wife, Mary Lou Pyles of Westport.
Funeral services will be conducted at Nebraska Church of God with Pastor William Means officiating. Burial will follow at Westport Cemetery with military graveside rites. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 11 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bass & Gasper Funeral Home in Westport. Memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home to Nebraska Church of God or to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. 