"Brian" Claude Kirby Jr.

Claude "Brian" Kirby, 91, died on January 30, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona. Born in Duncan, Oklahoma on Sept 16, 1921. Dad graduated 1939 @ Great Bend High School in Kansas, & received a Geology degree from Wichita State University as a Phi Delta Theta in 1948. Brian served his country as a United States Marine from 1942-1946. Brian married Connie Johnson in 1944 while stationed @ Ft Pendleton, San Diego CA. Connie and first child Carole, precede him in death. Son, Robert Brian Kirby (Carmen) resides in Glendale, AZ. Brian returned to Kansas & worked as Geologist with Sunray Petroleum, until his promotion with Bay Petroleum in 1952, and served as President of Kansas Geological Society. Brian married Marilyn Mogle of Wichita Kansas and welcomed children Deborah (Larry Woodrome, Phoenix AZ), Kimberly (Bill Friend, Prescott, AZ) and Bradford Kirby (Joan, Sacramento, CA). Brian was promoted & transferred to Durango, CO withTenneco Oil Co in 1959, and elected President of Durango Petroleum Club. Brian was associated with the Laplata County Art players, served in local politics, and Geological consulting until his transfer to Holbrook, AZ with Arkansas Louisiana Gas Co. (ARKLA). Brian served as Senior Warden @ St George Episcopal Church from 1964-1969 in Holbrook. Brian completed his professional career as Hydrologist with the State of Arizona 1972-1989 and was married to Ruth "Jeannie" Donaldson for 32 years, who proceeds him in death. We embrace and thank the Donaldson family. Brian is survived by his four children, 10 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. Contributions can be made to Arizona Hospice who we thank so very much for their loving and caring over the past months. Any flowers please send to the cemetery for the service.