Donald Eugene Kirk, 78, died Friday, May 2, 2025 at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, Kansas.
He was born March 10, 1947 to Asberry Doyle and Dora Beatrice (Estes) Kirk in Tahlequah, Okla.
He married Judy V. Hardin March 5, 1966 in Liberal. She survives.
He dedicated his professional life as a car man for the Rock Island Railroad, which later became known as Cotton Belt Railroad and Southern Pacific Railroad. His commitment to public service also showed through his 26 years of honorable service as a reserve officer with the Liberal Police Department. He also owned a small engine repair business.
He enjoyed being outdoors and camping, fishing, and hunting. His greatest joy, however, was spending cherished moments with his grandchildren, creating lifelong memories during their camping trips.
Proud of his Cherokee Indian descent, he carried his heritage with honor throughout his life.
Survivors also include three sons: Kelly Kirk and wife, Christy, Liberal, Kevin Kirk and wife, Traci, Willis, Texas, and Brian Kirk, Independence; brother, Paul Kirk and wife, Reba, Beaver, Okla.; sisters, Donna Peeke and husband, Dick, Perham, Minn., and Tracy Baker and husband, Scott, Frazee, Minn.; 11 grandchildren: Devin Aldava and spouse, Jose, Tarin Brungardt and spouse, Tyler, Laken Lamberson, Alyssa Acosta and spouse, Tomas, Nicole Fuchs and spouse, Michael, Kaitlyn Kirk and Carlos Avelino, Koby Kirk, Kylie Kirk, Anniston Colby, Britain Colby, and Calleigh Colby; and seven great-grandchildren: Arabelle Brungardt, Hendrix Aldava, Jaxxen Aldava, Evan Aldava, Eden Aldava, Tomas Acosta, and Anthony Acosta.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Doyle Kirk; and great-grandchildren, Harper Fuchs and Everly Fuchs.
• Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 9, 2025 at Crosspoint Church at 204 N. Sherman Avenue in Liberal, with Pastor Jonathan Zamora presiding.
Memorials are suggested to Southwest Miracles in care of Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W 2nd Street, Liberal, KS 67901.
Condolences may be left at www.hornungfuneralhome.com.
