Pattie Sue (Nighswonger) Kirby

Pat was born in Viola, Kansas to Paul and Mary (Stinson) Nighswonger on May 27, 1928. She grew up in the area graduating from Clearwater High School before going to ABC Business school in Wichita, Kansas. While attending business school she went on a blind date with Jack who she would end up being married to six days short of 76 years.

She married Jack Kirby on August 29, 1948 and moved to Norman, Oklahoma. She was employed as a private secretary to Dr. John Calhoun, head of the Petroleum Engineering Department at OU. She and Jack lived in Norman until he graduated from Oklahoma University, after which they briefly moved to Texas before deciding to move back to Kansas to start a family. Their oldest daughter Linda was born June 13, 1951 and shortly after they moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma where their son Greg was born July 29, 1953. Next they moved to Midland, Texas where Kathleen was born September 22, 1956. Jack worked in the area as a petroleum geologist. Pat stayed home with the children until they were in school. She then went to work for Texas Electric as an Executive Secretary. After living in Midland for 47 years they moved to Sun City in Georgetown, Texas where they lived for 27 years until moving to independent living at The Delaney in 2020.

Pat enjoyed many things. She enjoyed sewing and made a lot of clothes in her time. She loved to play tennis and to golf. She was an accomplished golfer having made 2 hole in one shots in her playing time. She enjoyed working and volunteering her time at Wellspring UMC. Above all else she truly enjoyed her family and friends, and loved to travel. She and Jack traveled to many places across the world and went back to Europe multiple times.

Pat is survived by her husband, Jack Lynn Kirby; her daughter Linda Lee Anderson (Walter); and her daughter Kathleen K. Kirby; her brother John Roger Nighswonger; her grandson Luke Anderson (Jamie) and her granddaughter Kathryn Serrano (Jerry).

Pat is preceded in death by her son; Greg Alan Kirby, her parents and 3 siblings.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.

Pastor Jeff Smith from Wellspring United Methodist Church will be conducting services.