Edward Kirk

Edward Lee Kirk left this world to join his heavenly family January 9, 2014. He was born to Oliver Lee and Glorena Aldine Kirk, August 9, 1923 in Benjamin, Knox County, TX.

Edward graduated Magna Cum Laude with his Bachelor of Science degree from Abilene Christian College. He worked as a Seismologist at Atlantic Refining. He then worked as principal, coach and teacher for Benjamin Public Schools. He received his Master of Science degree from Abilene Christian College while working several jobs for the school. He was teacher, coach and Assistant Director for Abilene Christian Campus School and Associate professor in the Education Department, Abilene Christian University, teaching courses in adolescent psychology, secondary curriculum, teaching methods and American history.

Edward has numerous honors and awards and directed several summer seminars for teachers at Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, PA. Served as Chaplain of Texas District Civitan International, and served as President and Chaplain of Abilene Civitan Club. He was coordinator and secretary of American Heritage Project and was college supervisor for over 900 student teachers, including public schools in 10 west Texas counties.

He is a past member of: Kappa Delta Pi, Texas Society of Teacher’s Education, Board of Lecturers, Freedom Foundation, National Schools Committee for Economic Education, Charter member Knox County Historical Society, member of Judicial Review Board of Abilene Christian University. He authored and published several articles in Texas Outlook, TX School Board Journal, Christian Bible Teacher, Gospel Advocate, Educational Forum, Abilene Reporter News, Ft Worth Star Telegram, Minister’s Monthly. He also wrote the poem “If There Were No Nurses” in tribute to his mother.

Although his hearing had waned in his later years, Edward was still willing to share with everybody that would listen his dry humored anecdotes. He loved to “recycle and tinker” with found objects and to revive these into treasures for friends and family. His skillful talent for woodworking and restorations brought joy to him and those he shared his craft with. He loved spending time with “his girls” and Mr. Sparky - his pets were a calming delight and source of contentment through his illness.

He is survived by his loving family: son, Oliver Frank Kirk and his wife Barbara; daughter, Sandi Hedges; Granddaughter, Angela Swann and her children, Myah and Wyatt Grady; Grandson, Christopher Wise; 2 step grandchildren and 10 step great grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude for the heartfelt visits and phone calls; the support of his Tanglewood Church of Christ family; and his loving caregiver, Bridget, and the nursing services and staff of Star Hospice.

Graveside services will be held at 2pm Monday, January 13, 2014, at the Benjamin Cemetery in Benjamin, TX, with Richard Cravy officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Tanglewood Church of Christ in Odessa, TX.

“Because He lives I can face tomorrow; because He lives all fear is gone; because I know He holds the future; and life is worth the living because He lives.”

Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home of Odessa.