Joe graduated from Reitz High School and went on to serve in the US Navy during the Korea Conflict. He retired from Indiana Bell after 25 years, and was a member of Bethlehem United Church of Christ and the VFW. His favorite hobby was going to car shows. Joe and his wife, Shirley, enjoyed 22 years as snowbirds in Naples, FL.
He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kelly Jo Kirby; sisters; Mary Sue Kirby and Olive Marie Kirby; and brothers, Gerald Baker Kirby and Billy Hugh Kirby.
Joe is survived by his wife of 43 years, Shirley (Voelker) Kirby; step-daughter, Jerri Lynn Kirby; granddaughter, Kayla (Kirby) Goldsberry (Corey); great grandchildren, Miami, Brynnen, Elyjah, Kaydense, Naomie; and who he considered “the son he never had”, Sid Flake.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon CST Saturday January 29, 2022 at Alexander East Chapel, with Pastor Emily Slade officiating, with entombment in Alexander Memorial Park with full military honors. Friends and family may visit from 10:00 a.m. CST until service time at the funeral home. The funeral service will be livestreamed starting at 11:45 a.m. CST at www.facebook.com/funeralstreamusa.com.
Joe’s family would like to thank the staff at Heart to Heart Hospice for their care during this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice.
