Robert Bob Ernest Birk

Robert Ernest “Bob” Birk, 83, passed away Monday, November 18, 2013 in Wichita Falls. Memorial Services will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at The Prestyn, formerly the First Presbyterian Church of Iowa Park, with Dr. Isaac Butterworth, pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Wichita Falls, and Rev. Gary House, officiating. Visitation will be held from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM on Friday, November 22, 2013 at Dutton Funeral Home in Iowa Park. Interment will be held at Highland Cemetery at a later date under the direction of Dutton Funeral Home.

Bob was born August 6, 1930 to Charles Ernest “C.E.” and Estelle (Revier) Birk. His mother passed away when he was young and his step-mother, Mary Anna Birk raised him as her own. He was a graduate of Iowa Park High School and graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree from Austin College. In 1954, Bob served 2 years in the U.S. Army. He later returned to Iowa Park and worked as a self employed insurance agent for 32 years and also worked for 22 years as a funeral assistant at Dutton Funeral Home. Bob was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Wichita Falls and formerly a member of First Presbyterian Church of Iowa Park where he was a deacon, an elder, and served on various committees with the area Palo Duro Presbytery. He was a member of the Rotary, Lions Club, The Muleskinners and a former President of the Iowa Park Chamber of Commerce. As a young man, Bob loved mountain climbing with his father (both were members of the Chicago mountaineering club) and has always loved attending the Symphony, along with organ/piano recitals and concerts.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, C.E. and Estelle Birk; step-mother, Mary Anna Birk; and sister and brother-in-law, Bettye and Calvin Hansen.

Surviving relatives include his wife, Melissa Birk of Wichita Falls; son Eric Birk and his wife, Bernadette of New York, New York; son, Dr. Lee Birk and his wife, Ginger of Wichita Falls; son, Patrick Birk and his wife, Emily of Burkburnett; son, Paul Birk of Farmers Branch; grandchildren, Ella, Tess, and Tate Birk of Burkburnett, sister Beverly Matos and her husband, Gonzalo of North Richland Hills; three nephews and two nieces.

Thank you to IntegraCare Hospice and Horizon Bay for all their work and patience during various levels of need….great job caring for our Dad.

Memorials are suggested to the charity of choice.