C. Kirk Root

C. Kirk Root went home to his Savior Jesus Christ on January 8, 2014 after his hard fought battle with melanoma cancer in his liver and bone. Kirk was born in Marshall, Texas on March 3, 1961 to Rosanne and Vernon Root.

After moving to Austin at a young age, he eventually graduated from Pflugerville High School in 1979. During his senior year in high school he overheard a phone call about jeweler's school and decided that is what he wanted to do. He graduated from the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology, Paris, Texas in 1981. It was shortly prior to this time that he met his future wife, Lori McAuley, at their church's youth camp. In May of 1983 they were married and lived in Brownwood, Texas. When Lori graduated from college, they moved back to Austin where Kirk opened his own jewelry business and became the youngest Master Gemologist Appraiser at the time. This love of jewelry and appraisal work will continue through his current business, C. Kirk Root Designs

Kirk was blessed to have a profession that was also his favorite hobby. He was an ASA certified Master Gemologist Appraiser for over 25 years. This elite accreditation is so difficult to attain that currently only 42 people internationally hold the title. He was also a GIA Graduate Gemologist and TIJT Gemologist. Kirk's gemological expertise made him one of the leading appraisers for the FBI, DEA, and ATF. Kirk was a former Chairperson of the International Gems & Jewelry Committee for the American Society of Appraisers (ASA).

He was an active member, Sunday school teacher, and Deacon at Austin Baptist Church where he taught high school classes. Kirk has been ministering to youth for almost 30 years and has impacted numerous lives with his teaching.

Kirk was recently blessed to witness his oldest son, Chris, be commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and his youngest son, Casey, be awarded the rank of Eagle Scout. In addition, he finally received a daughter when Cub, his middle son, was engaged to Amy Maletta. Kirk and Lori celebrated 30 years of marriage this past May and were blessed to spend time in Hawaii celebrating together.

Kirk is survived by his wife Lori, their three sons Chris, Cub and Casey, his mother Rosanne, brother Larry and wife Martha, sister Leanne and her four children, Dylan, Stacey, Laura and Clarissa.

Visitation will be held from 7:00pm to 9:00pm on Friday, January 10, 2014 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar. Family graveside service will be held Saturday morning and a Celebration Service for Kirk will be held 4:00pm Saturday, January 11, 2014 at Austin Baptist Church, 7016 Ribelin Ranch Dr., Austin, TX. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the charity of your choice.