He was born in Bloomington on March 17, 1922, the son of the late August V. and Anna D. (Storer) Kirk. He was a graduate of Bloomington High School and Indiana University, earning a degree in finance. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and Scabbard and Blade honorary military fraternity.
In 1942 he entered the US Army. He was a commissioned Second Lieutenant, Infantry, Ft. Benning, GA and later transferred to the Army Air Corps. After receiving his pilot training, he flew B25, B24 and B32 bombers. After his active service he joined the 38th division Indiana National Guard and retired as Major, US Army, in 1962.
Robert also held many business and civic positions and memberships throughout his life. He retired as Vice President of Irwin Union Bank in 1984. He was also a Past Exalted Ruler, Bloomington Elks Lodge, sat on the Columbus City Council from 1963-1967, was a former Chairman of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, former board member of Tipton Lakes Community Association, a former Deacon and Elder at First Presbyterian Church, and former volunteer at the Atterbury Bakalar Air Museum. He also enjoyed traveling in the US and Europe as well as photography.
He married Marjorie Pugh in 1943. She preceded him in death in 2003. Also preceding him were his parents; a son, Robert Kirk, Jr.; and an infant daughter, Judith Ann Kirk.
Survivors include his son, John W. Kirk of Columbus; grandchildren, Robert M. Kirk of Columbus, Thomas Kirk of Chicago, IL, and Angela Tudor of Bulverde, TX; and great-granddaughter, Vivian Tudor of Bulverde, TX.
There will be a visitation on Friday, November 8, 2019 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at Hathaway-Myers Chapel on Pearl St. Entombment will follow the visitation at Garland Brook Cemetery with military honors provided by the Bartholomew County Combined Honor Guard.
Memorials in Robert’s name are suggested to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
Please leave a condolence or special memory of Robert online at: www.Hathaway-Myers.com.
Hathaway-Myers Chapel is serving the Kirk family.
