Billy K. "Bill" Kirk

Billy Kay “Bill” Kirk, 85, of Newburgh, was called to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital. Bill was born June 9, 1926, in Rockport, IN and moved with his parents to Grandview at the age of one. There he attended grade school and high school until the high school was destroyed in 1943. Bill graduated from Rockport High School in 1944.

In May 1944, Bill enlisted in the US Navy and reported to naval training in June after his high school graduation. He served during WWII in the South Pacific, aboard the U.S.S. Cleveland until being honorably discharged in June 1946. He entered Evansville College (U of E) in August 1946, graduating with a B.A. in May, 1949. Bill received a Master’s Degree from Indiana University in 1954. Ten years after teaching and coaching basketball in Tell City, IN, the Kirks moved to Whittier, CA in 1959. Bill retired from the Whittier Union High School District in 1986 as Director of Pupil Personnel Service. During his 27 years in the Whittier District, he held various educational administrative positions. After Bill retired, the Kirks moved back to Newburgh, IN, in 1994.

Bill is survived by his grade school and high school sweetheart, best friend, soul mate and beloved wife of 66 years, Clara Jeanette “Jean” Kirk; also surviving are his beloved daughter, Peggy Janet Wald; grandsons, Kirk Wayne Morgan and wife Tamera, and James Kay Morgan, all of Long Island, NY; and sister Mary Jo Holden of Brookston, IN.

“His life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him that nature might stand up and say to the world, This was a Man!”

“Love never faileth.”

The family wishes to thank Dr. Browning, Dr. Houser and Dr. Jordan; the nursing and tech staff at Gateway Hospital; and the nurses at Newburgh Dialysis Center for their care.

Services will be 2:00 PM, Monday, December 26, 2011, at Alexander Newburgh Chapel, officiated by Rev. Mitch Gieselman, with entombment at Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit Monday, 12:00 PM to service time at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to United Methodist Youth Home, www.umyh.com, 2521 N. Burkhardt Road, Evansville, IN 47715, or the University of Evansville.