*My brother Bob's date of death was ruled June 1, 2021, when his body was found in his home during a wellness check after the Memorial Day weekend. For whatever reason, which is beyond me, the Findlay coronor chose not to do an autopsy. I believe from all of the information I gathered, Bob passed away sometime Friday evening, May 28th, sometime after 8:00 P.M. He sent a text message to someone at 8:00 p.m. that evening, and no one heard or spoke to him until he was found Tuesday morning. His current employer knew something was completely out of character for Bob to be a no call, no show for work, so they called the Findlay police for a wellness check. It saddens my heart to know that he died alone, but when I really think about it, he was not alone, I know GOD ALMIGHTY was with him the whole time. I take great comfort in knowing this.
My dear brother Bob's ashes were laid to rest on what would have been his 65th birthday, September 24, 2022. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful service given by Pastor Gordon Dickson. Special thanks to Jack Behnke for all of his assistance in setting this all up for our family.
Robert Patrick Kirby, age 63 of Findlay, passed away on June 1, 2021 in Findlay. Robert was born on September 24, 1957 in Findlay, Ohio to the late Estil E. and Gloria (Connor) Kirby.
Robert was married to Jeannie Shank. They later divorced. He is survived by sons, Garrett Kirby and Landon Kirby, along with brother Herbert (Brenda) Johnson, Jr., a sister Anne Marie (Donald) Perkins, Jr, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, John E. Johnson, a sister Becky Burgey, and a sister that passed in infancy Patricia.
Robert was retired from Cooper Tire and Rubber Company in 2016 after 40 years of service, and most recently worked for Warner Automotive. He loved going to the movies. He loved riding his Harley, and he loved cars and hotrods. He was a Nascar fan and enjoyed his cars, especially his 1984 El Camino that he bought brand new. His favorite holiday was Halloween. He was a man of strong faith.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at KIRKPATRICK-BEHNKE FUNERAL HOME, 500 Lima Avenue, Findlay, Ohio.
A funeral service will begin immediately after visitation, starting at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Gordon Dickson officiating. Burial will be private and held at a later date.
Memorials can be made to the City Mission, 510 W Main Cross St, Findlay, OH 45840.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.
The following is an eulogy written and read by me at Bobby's funeral service.
This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 14:13) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6) God's word is so powerful, and when I am weak, He is strong.
How was I to know that just eighteen short months after laying my sister Becky to rest, I would be here today to do the same for my brother Bobby.
Robert Patrick Kirby was born on September 24, 1957, in Findlay to Estil E. and Gloria A. (Connor) Kirby. Bobby was the fifth child born of six. His siblings were Herbert Johnson, Jr., Patricia Johnson, who died in infancy, John Johnson, who died in 1987, Becky Burgey, who died last year, and myself, Anne. Bob and I were exactly seven years and seven days apart, sharing the same birth month as our mother.
Bobby attended Lincoln Elementary, Central Jr. High and graduated from Findlay Senior High School in 1976. Bobby held several jobs during high school. He worked at McDonalds, the Imperial House, and he also worked with my dad with his janitorial service at Macy's Department Store. It was his work at Macy's that landed him his position at Cooper Tire and Rubber Company. As the story goes, Bob was vacuuming the dressing room floors, when he noticed something shiny. He picked it up and it happened to be a ring. Bob thought it was odd that the ring was in the dressing room, and he thought it belonged in the showcase, so that is where hew put it. The next day when my brother and dad showed up to clean, one of the store associates asked if either one of them saw or found a ring. Bob replied, "Yes, I put it in the showcase." As it would turn out, the owner of the ring was the human resource manager for Cooper Tire and Rubber Company. I believe her name was June, and she requested that she meet Bob in person to thank him for finding her precious ring. It was then and there that June offered Bob an immediate position with Cooper. Bob was in his senior year of high school, and he knew how adamant our parents were that we all graduate, so he asked if she would hold that position until he did so. "Absolutely," was her reply. Bob's very first day at Cooper Tire was literally the day after graduation. Bob retired in 2016 from Cooper Tire and Rubber Company after forty years of service.
After retiring from Cooper, Bob took on full-time employment with Buckeye Cartridge, and he was currently employed at Warner Nissan.
If I had to describe Bob's motto for life, I would say it would be, "Work Hard-Play Hard." He had so many interests and passions in his life. In his younger days, Bob loved hanging out with the Buckeye 4 wheelers club driving his 4 wheel drive pickup truck. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, but most of all, he loved riding his Harley. Each and everyone of these modes of entertainment were the best that money could buy, and Bobby took great pride in all of them. If Bob rode his Harley one day, he would spend hours detailing it the next. His baby was his 1984 Chevy El Camino, which he kept pristine and rarely ever drove. Bob worked hard for everything he owned, and he never took any of it for granted.
In 1983, Bob married Jeannie Shank, and eleven years later, in October of 1994, they welcomed their first son into the world Garrett Robert Kirby. Seven years later, in October of 2001, they welcomed their second son into the world, Landon Patrick Kirby. With all of their birthdays being so close together, Bob would always buy a Fall themed birthday cake every year that had three orange pumpkins, which would usually say, "Happy Birthday to the Kirby Boys." Garrett and Landon were Bob's pride and joy, and will be his lasting legacy. He loved his boys so very much and talked about them all the time. Bobby always tried to make sure they always had everything they needed.
In our family, Bobby was known for his voracious, no, I mean ravenous, no, I mean insatiable appetite. What ever adjective you choose with an emphasis on large, he had it. Bob could literally eat and entire 21 inch pizza from Jac and Does all by himself. Becky used to joke that while she and her husband and were out for date night at Jac and Does, Bob would just happen to drive by and see their car in the parking lot and come in and join them. Not to be rude, Becky would offer him a slice, to which Bob would finish off the rest, not leaving anything for them to take home for left overs.
I could go on and on about Bob and share so may humorous and poignant stories with you, and I am sure a lot of you have your own, but I will share with you what I will miss about my brother Bobby. I will miss that Bobby will no longer be just a phone call or text message away. He was always there for me when push really came to shove. He was the perfect example of what a brother should be, protective, reassuring, and most of all, loving. He was such a spiritual person, and he loved the Lord with all of his heart. Some of my most precious moments with him are that of holding hands and praying in agreement with him over serious issues in our lives. There were several occasions that Becky, Bobby and I did this as well. The power in those prayers were so incredible and miraculous. In Matthew 18:20 we read, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." All of our prayers were answered.
If Bob could talk to everyone sitting here today, I feel he would use this opportunity as a witnessing event, and plead with you all to get right with the LORD. Bob and I talked so much about the unparalleled times we are all living in right now. The signs of the end times are ubiquitous, and there is so much uncertainty in the world we live in.
With all of these great losses in my life, I hold on to the BLESSED HOPE that I will see each and everyone of my loved ones again and spend all of eternity with them in heaven. The very first verse I learned in Sunday school was John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
On May 15th at 8;30 a.m., Bobby sent a hand typed text message to me, and to quote him, he said, " WE ARE HERE AT THAT TIME FRAME, TIME T START LOOKING UP. I BELIEVE WE ALL HAVE A VERY SHORT TIME TO GET RIGHT WITH THE OUR Heavenly Father AND HIS ONLY BEGOTTON SON, JESUS. DON'T GET LEFT BEHIND!!!"
My dear brother Bob's ashes were laid to rest on what would have been his 65th birthday, September 24, 2022. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful service given by Pastor Gordon Dickson. Special thanks to Jack Behnke for all of his assistance in setting this all up for our family.
Robert Patrick Kirby, age 63 of Findlay, passed away on June 1, 2021 in Findlay. Robert was born on September 24, 1957 in Findlay, Ohio to the late Estil E. and Gloria (Connor) Kirby.
Robert was married to Jeannie Shank. They later divorced. He is survived by sons, Garrett Kirby and Landon Kirby, along with brother Herbert (Brenda) Johnson, Jr., a sister Anne Marie (Donald) Perkins, Jr, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, John E. Johnson, a sister Becky Burgey, and a sister that passed in infancy Patricia.
Robert was retired from Cooper Tire and Rubber Company in 2016 after 40 years of service, and most recently worked for Warner Automotive. He loved going to the movies. He loved riding his Harley, and he loved cars and hotrods. He was a Nascar fan and enjoyed his cars, especially his 1984 El Camino that he bought brand new. His favorite holiday was Halloween. He was a man of strong faith.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at KIRKPATRICK-BEHNKE FUNERAL HOME, 500 Lima Avenue, Findlay, Ohio.
A funeral service will begin immediately after visitation, starting at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Gordon Dickson officiating. Burial will be private and held at a later date.
Memorials can be made to the City Mission, 510 W Main Cross St, Findlay, OH 45840.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.
The following is an eulogy written and read by me at Bobby's funeral service.
This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 14:13) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6) God's word is so powerful, and when I am weak, He is strong.
How was I to know that just eighteen short months after laying my sister Becky to rest, I would be here today to do the same for my brother Bobby.
Robert Patrick Kirby was born on September 24, 1957, in Findlay to Estil E. and Gloria A. (Connor) Kirby. Bobby was the fifth child born of six. His siblings were Herbert Johnson, Jr., Patricia Johnson, who died in infancy, John Johnson, who died in 1987, Becky Burgey, who died last year, and myself, Anne. Bob and I were exactly seven years and seven days apart, sharing the same birth month as our mother.
Bobby attended Lincoln Elementary, Central Jr. High and graduated from Findlay Senior High School in 1976. Bobby held several jobs during high school. He worked at McDonalds, the Imperial House, and he also worked with my dad with his janitorial service at Macy's Department Store. It was his work at Macy's that landed him his position at Cooper Tire and Rubber Company. As the story goes, Bob was vacuuming the dressing room floors, when he noticed something shiny. He picked it up and it happened to be a ring. Bob thought it was odd that the ring was in the dressing room, and he thought it belonged in the showcase, so that is where hew put it. The next day when my brother and dad showed up to clean, one of the store associates asked if either one of them saw or found a ring. Bob replied, "Yes, I put it in the showcase." As it would turn out, the owner of the ring was the human resource manager for Cooper Tire and Rubber Company. I believe her name was June, and she requested that she meet Bob in person to thank him for finding her precious ring. It was then and there that June offered Bob an immediate position with Cooper. Bob was in his senior year of high school, and he knew how adamant our parents were that we all graduate, so he asked if she would hold that position until he did so. "Absolutely," was her reply. Bob's very first day at Cooper Tire was literally the day after graduation. Bob retired in 2016 from Cooper Tire and Rubber Company after forty years of service.
After retiring from Cooper, Bob took on full-time employment with Buckeye Cartridge, and he was currently employed at Warner Nissan.
If I had to describe Bob's motto for life, I would say it would be, "Work Hard-Play Hard." He had so many interests and passions in his life. In his younger days, Bob loved hanging out with the Buckeye 4 wheelers club driving his 4 wheel drive pickup truck. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, but most of all, he loved riding his Harley. Each and everyone of these modes of entertainment were the best that money could buy, and Bobby took great pride in all of them. If Bob rode his Harley one day, he would spend hours detailing it the next. His baby was his 1984 Chevy El Camino, which he kept pristine and rarely ever drove. Bob worked hard for everything he owned, and he never took any of it for granted.
In 1983, Bob married Jeannie Shank, and eleven years later, in October of 1994, they welcomed their first son into the world Garrett Robert Kirby. Seven years later, in October of 2001, they welcomed their second son into the world, Landon Patrick Kirby. With all of their birthdays being so close together, Bob would always buy a Fall themed birthday cake every year that had three orange pumpkins, which would usually say, "Happy Birthday to the Kirby Boys." Garrett and Landon were Bob's pride and joy, and will be his lasting legacy. He loved his boys so very much and talked about them all the time. Bobby always tried to make sure they always had everything they needed.
In our family, Bobby was known for his voracious, no, I mean ravenous, no, I mean insatiable appetite. What ever adjective you choose with an emphasis on large, he had it. Bob could literally eat and entire 21 inch pizza from Jac and Does all by himself. Becky used to joke that while she and her husband and were out for date night at Jac and Does, Bob would just happen to drive by and see their car in the parking lot and come in and join them. Not to be rude, Becky would offer him a slice, to which Bob would finish off the rest, not leaving anything for them to take home for left overs.
I could go on and on about Bob and share so may humorous and poignant stories with you, and I am sure a lot of you have your own, but I will share with you what I will miss about my brother Bobby. I will miss that Bobby will no longer be just a phone call or text message away. He was always there for me when push really came to shove. He was the perfect example of what a brother should be, protective, reassuring, and most of all, loving. He was such a spiritual person, and he loved the Lord with all of his heart. Some of my most precious moments with him are that of holding hands and praying in agreement with him over serious issues in our lives. There were several occasions that Becky, Bobby and I did this as well. The power in those prayers were so incredible and miraculous. In Matthew 18:20 we read, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." All of our prayers were answered.
If Bob could talk to everyone sitting here today, I feel he would use this opportunity as a witnessing event, and plead with you all to get right with the LORD. Bob and I talked so much about the unparalleled times we are all living in right now. The signs of the end times are ubiquitous, and there is so much uncertainty in the world we live in.
With all of these great losses in my life, I hold on to the BLESSED HOPE that I will see each and everyone of my loved ones again and spend all of eternity with them in heaven. The very first verse I learned in Sunday school was John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
On May 15th at 8;30 a.m., Bobby sent a hand typed text message to me, and to quote him, he said, " WE ARE HERE AT THAT TIME FRAME, TIME T START LOOKING UP. I BELIEVE WE ALL HAVE A VERY SHORT TIME TO GET RIGHT WITH THE OUR Heavenly Father AND HIS ONLY BEGOTTON SON, JESUS. DON'T GET LEFT BEHIND!!!"
*My brother Bob's date of death was ruled June 1, 2021, when his body was found in his home during a wellness check after the Memorial Day weekend. For whatever reason, which is beyond me, the Findlay coronor chose not to do an autopsy. I believe from all of the information I gathered, Bob passed away sometime Friday evening, May 28th, sometime after 8:00 P.M. He sent a text message to someone at 8:00 p.m. that evening, and no one heard or spoke to him until he was found Tuesday morning. His current employer knew something was completely out of character for Bob to be a no call, no show for work, so they called the Findlay police for a wellness check. It saddens my heart to know that he died alone, but when I really think about it, he was not alone, I know GOD ALMIGHTY was with him the whole time. I take great comfort in knowing this.
My dear brother Bob's ashes were laid to rest on what would have been his 65th birthday, September 24, 2022. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful service given by Pastor Gordon Dickson. Special thanks to Jack Behnke for all of his assistance in setting this all up for our family.
Robert Patrick Kirby, age 63 of Findlay, passed away on June 1, 2021 in Findlay. Robert was born on September 24, 1957 in Findlay, Ohio to the late Estil E. and Gloria (Connor) Kirby.
Robert was married to Jeannie Shank. They later divorced. He is survived by sons, Garrett Kirby and Landon Kirby, along with brother Herbert (Brenda) Johnson, Jr., a sister Anne Marie (Donald) Perkins, Jr, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, John E. Johnson, a sister Becky Burgey, and a sister that passed in infancy Patricia.
Robert was retired from Cooper Tire and Rubber Company in 2016 after 40 years of service, and most recently worked for Warner Automotive. He loved going to the movies. He loved riding his Harley, and he loved cars and hotrods. He was a Nascar fan and enjoyed his cars, especially his 1984 El Camino that he bought brand new. His favorite holiday was Halloween. He was a man of strong faith.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at KIRKPATRICK-BEHNKE FUNERAL HOME, 500 Lima Avenue, Findlay, Ohio.
A funeral service will begin immediately after visitation, starting at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Gordon Dickson officiating. Burial will be private and held at a later date.
Memorials can be made to the City Mission, 510 W Main Cross St, Findlay, OH 45840.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.
The following is an eulogy written and read by me at Bobby's funeral service.
This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 14:13) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6) God's word is so powerful, and when I am weak, He is strong.
How was I to know that just eighteen short months after laying my sister Becky to rest, I would be here today to do the same for my brother Bobby.
Robert Patrick Kirby was born on September 24, 1957, in Findlay to Estil E. and Gloria A. (Connor) Kirby. Bobby was the fifth child born of six. His siblings were Herbert Johnson, Jr., Patricia Johnson, who died in infancy, John Johnson, who died in 1987, Becky Burgey, who died last year, and myself, Anne. Bob and I were exactly seven years and seven days apart, sharing the same birth month as our mother.
Bobby attended Lincoln Elementary, Central Jr. High and graduated from Findlay Senior High School in 1976. Bobby held several jobs during high school. He worked at McDonalds, the Imperial House, and he also worked with my dad with his janitorial service at Macy's Department Store. It was his work at Macy's that landed him his position at Cooper Tire and Rubber Company. As the story goes, Bob was vacuuming the dressing room floors, when he noticed something shiny. He picked it up and it happened to be a ring. Bob thought it was odd that the ring was in the dressing room, and he thought it belonged in the showcase, so that is where hew put it. The next day when my brother and dad showed up to clean, one of the store associates asked if either one of them saw or found a ring. Bob replied, "Yes, I put it in the showcase." As it would turn out, the owner of the ring was the human resource manager for Cooper Tire and Rubber Company. I believe her name was June, and she requested that she meet Bob in person to thank him for finding her precious ring. It was then and there that June offered Bob an immediate position with Cooper. Bob was in his senior year of high school, and he knew how adamant our parents were that we all graduate, so he asked if she would hold that position until he did so. "Absolutely," was her reply. Bob's very first day at Cooper Tire was literally the day after graduation. Bob retired in 2016 from Cooper Tire and Rubber Company after forty years of service.
After retiring from Cooper, Bob took on full-time employment with Buckeye Cartridge, and he was currently employed at Warner Nissan.
If I had to describe Bob's motto for life, I would say it would be, "Work Hard-Play Hard." He had so many interests and passions in his life. In his younger days, Bob loved hanging out with the Buckeye 4 wheelers club driving his 4 wheel drive pickup truck. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, but most of all, he loved riding his Harley. Each and everyone of these modes of entertainment were the best that money could buy, and Bobby took great pride in all of them. If Bob rode his Harley one day, he would spend hours detailing it the next. His baby was his 1984 Chevy El Camino, which he kept pristine and rarely ever drove. Bob worked hard for everything he owned, and he never took any of it for granted.
In 1983, Bob married Jeannie Shank, and eleven years later, in October of 1994, they welcomed their first son into the world Garrett Robert Kirby. Seven years later, in October of 2001, they welcomed their second son into the world, Landon Patrick Kirby. With all of their birthdays being so close together, Bob would always buy a Fall themed birthday cake every year that had three orange pumpkins, which would usually say, "Happy Birthday to the Kirby Boys." Garrett and Landon were Bob's pride and joy, and will be his lasting legacy. He loved his boys so very much and talked about them all the time. Bobby always tried to make sure they always had everything they needed.
In our family, Bobby was known for his voracious, no, I mean ravenous, no, I mean insatiable appetite. What ever adjective you choose with an emphasis on large, he had it. Bob could literally eat and entire 21 inch pizza from Jac and Does all by himself. Becky used to joke that while she and her husband and were out for date night at Jac and Does, Bob would just happen to drive by and see their car in the parking lot and come in and join them. Not to be rude, Becky would offer him a slice, to which Bob would finish off the rest, not leaving anything for them to take home for left overs.
I could go on and on about Bob and share so may humorous and poignant stories with you, and I am sure a lot of you have your own, but I will share with you what I will miss about my brother Bobby. I will miss that Bobby will no longer be just a phone call or text message away. He was always there for me when push really came to shove. He was the perfect example of what a brother should be, protective, reassuring, and most of all, loving. He was such a spiritual person, and he loved the Lord with all of his heart. Some of my most precious moments with him are that of holding hands and praying in agreement with him over serious issues in our lives. There were several occasions that Becky, Bobby and I did this as well. The power in those prayers were so incredible and miraculous. In Matthew 18:20 we read, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." All of our prayers were answered.
If Bob could talk to everyone sitting here today, I feel he would use this opportunity as a witnessing event, and plead with you all to get right with the LORD. Bob and I talked so much about the unparalleled times we are all living in right now. The signs of the end times are ubiquitous, and there is so much uncertainty in the world we live in.
With all of these great losses in my life, I hold on to the BLESSED HOPE that I will see each and everyone of my loved ones again and spend all of eternity with them in heaven. The very first verse I learned in Sunday school was John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
On May 15th at 8;30 a.m., Bobby sent a hand typed text message to me, and to quote him, he said, " WE ARE HERE AT THAT TIME FRAME, TIME T START LOOKING UP. I BELIEVE WE ALL HAVE A VERY SHORT TIME TO GET RIGHT WITH THE OUR Heavenly Father AND HIS ONLY BEGOTTON SON, JESUS. DON'T GET LEFT BEHIND!!!"
My dear brother Bob's ashes were laid to rest on what would have been his 65th birthday, September 24, 2022. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful service given by Pastor Gordon Dickson. Special thanks to Jack Behnke for all of his assistance in setting this all up for our family.
Robert Patrick Kirby, age 63 of Findlay, passed away on June 1, 2021 in Findlay. Robert was born on September 24, 1957 in Findlay, Ohio to the late Estil E. and Gloria (Connor) Kirby.
Robert was married to Jeannie Shank. They later divorced. He is survived by sons, Garrett Kirby and Landon Kirby, along with brother Herbert (Brenda) Johnson, Jr., a sister Anne Marie (Donald) Perkins, Jr, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, John E. Johnson, a sister Becky Burgey, and a sister that passed in infancy Patricia.
Robert was retired from Cooper Tire and Rubber Company in 2016 after 40 years of service, and most recently worked for Warner Automotive. He loved going to the movies. He loved riding his Harley, and he loved cars and hotrods. He was a Nascar fan and enjoyed his cars, especially his 1984 El Camino that he bought brand new. His favorite holiday was Halloween. He was a man of strong faith.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at KIRKPATRICK-BEHNKE FUNERAL HOME, 500 Lima Avenue, Findlay, Ohio.
A funeral service will begin immediately after visitation, starting at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Gordon Dickson officiating. Burial will be private and held at a later date.
Memorials can be made to the City Mission, 510 W Main Cross St, Findlay, OH 45840.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.
The following is an eulogy written and read by me at Bobby's funeral service.
This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 14:13) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6) God's word is so powerful, and when I am weak, He is strong.
How was I to know that just eighteen short months after laying my sister Becky to rest, I would be here today to do the same for my brother Bobby.
Robert Patrick Kirby was born on September 24, 1957, in Findlay to Estil E. and Gloria A. (Connor) Kirby. Bobby was the fifth child born of six. His siblings were Herbert Johnson, Jr., Patricia Johnson, who died in infancy, John Johnson, who died in 1987, Becky Burgey, who died last year, and myself, Anne. Bob and I were exactly seven years and seven days apart, sharing the same birth month as our mother.
Bobby attended Lincoln Elementary, Central Jr. High and graduated from Findlay Senior High School in 1976. Bobby held several jobs during high school. He worked at McDonalds, the Imperial House, and he also worked with my dad with his janitorial service at Macy's Department Store. It was his work at Macy's that landed him his position at Cooper Tire and Rubber Company. As the story goes, Bob was vacuuming the dressing room floors, when he noticed something shiny. He picked it up and it happened to be a ring. Bob thought it was odd that the ring was in the dressing room, and he thought it belonged in the showcase, so that is where hew put it. The next day when my brother and dad showed up to clean, one of the store associates asked if either one of them saw or found a ring. Bob replied, "Yes, I put it in the showcase." As it would turn out, the owner of the ring was the human resource manager for Cooper Tire and Rubber Company. I believe her name was June, and she requested that she meet Bob in person to thank him for finding her precious ring. It was then and there that June offered Bob an immediate position with Cooper. Bob was in his senior year of high school, and he knew how adamant our parents were that we all graduate, so he asked if she would hold that position until he did so. "Absolutely," was her reply. Bob's very first day at Cooper Tire was literally the day after graduation. Bob retired in 2016 from Cooper Tire and Rubber Company after forty years of service.
After retiring from Cooper, Bob took on full-time employment with Buckeye Cartridge, and he was currently employed at Warner Nissan.
If I had to describe Bob's motto for life, I would say it would be, "Work Hard-Play Hard." He had so many interests and passions in his life. In his younger days, Bob loved hanging out with the Buckeye 4 wheelers club driving his 4 wheel drive pickup truck. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, but most of all, he loved riding his Harley. Each and everyone of these modes of entertainment were the best that money could buy, and Bobby took great pride in all of them. If Bob rode his Harley one day, he would spend hours detailing it the next. His baby was his 1984 Chevy El Camino, which he kept pristine and rarely ever drove. Bob worked hard for everything he owned, and he never took any of it for granted.
In 1983, Bob married Jeannie Shank, and eleven years later, in October of 1994, they welcomed their first son into the world Garrett Robert Kirby. Seven years later, in October of 2001, they welcomed their second son into the world, Landon Patrick Kirby. With all of their birthdays being so close together, Bob would always buy a Fall themed birthday cake every year that had three orange pumpkins, which would usually say, "Happy Birthday to the Kirby Boys." Garrett and Landon were Bob's pride and joy, and will be his lasting legacy. He loved his boys so very much and talked about them all the time. Bobby always tried to make sure they always had everything they needed.
In our family, Bobby was known for his voracious, no, I mean ravenous, no, I mean insatiable appetite. What ever adjective you choose with an emphasis on large, he had it. Bob could literally eat and entire 21 inch pizza from Jac and Does all by himself. Becky used to joke that while she and her husband and were out for date night at Jac and Does, Bob would just happen to drive by and see their car in the parking lot and come in and join them. Not to be rude, Becky would offer him a slice, to which Bob would finish off the rest, not leaving anything for them to take home for left overs.
I could go on and on about Bob and share so may humorous and poignant stories with you, and I am sure a lot of you have your own, but I will share with you what I will miss about my brother Bobby. I will miss that Bobby will no longer be just a phone call or text message away. He was always there for me when push really came to shove. He was the perfect example of what a brother should be, protective, reassuring, and most of all, loving. He was such a spiritual person, and he loved the Lord with all of his heart. Some of my most precious moments with him are that of holding hands and praying in agreement with him over serious issues in our lives. There were several occasions that Becky, Bobby and I did this as well. The power in those prayers were so incredible and miraculous. In Matthew 18:20 we read, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." All of our prayers were answered.
If Bob could talk to everyone sitting here today, I feel he would use this opportunity as a witnessing event, and plead with you all to get right with the LORD. Bob and I talked so much about the unparalleled times we are all living in right now. The signs of the end times are ubiquitous, and there is so much uncertainty in the world we live in.
With all of these great losses in my life, I hold on to the BLESSED HOPE that I will see each and everyone of my loved ones again and spend all of eternity with them in heaven. The very first verse I learned in Sunday school was John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
On May 15th at 8;30 a.m., Bobby sent a hand typed text message to me, and to quote him, he said, " WE ARE HERE AT THAT TIME FRAME, TIME T START LOOKING UP. I BELIEVE WE ALL HAVE A VERY SHORT TIME TO GET RIGHT WITH THE OUR Heavenly Father AND HIS ONLY BEGOTTON SON, JESUS. DON'T GET LEFT BEHIND!!!"
Inscription
BELOVED FATHER, BROTHER, UNCLE & FRIEND
Gravesite Details
Robert Patrick Kirby is buried next to his older sister Becky Sue Burgey, to his right.
