Carl Odis Kirk

Carl Kirk of Belton, MO, passed away on Sept. 14, 2026. He was born on Nov. 30, 1930 in Blanchard, OK to Esther and Ernest Kirk. Ernest was a farmer and due to the evolving Oklahoma Dust Bowl, moved the family to Ordway, CO to pursue better opportunities. The family was granted an FSA farm and Carl went to work in the family’s sugar beet fields. He learned the value of hard work and often said, “if you didn’t work hard, you didn’t eat”. Daily he toiled in harsh conditions and he could see Pike’s Peak to the west and the mountain began to symbolize an escape to a better life.

After the unexpected death of his father, Esther remarried and eventually settled the family in Northeast Kansas. Carl left school in the 8th grade to go to work to support the family. He enlisted in the US Army as soon as he was eligible in early 1949 and transferred to the US Air Force soon after joining in 1950. He served in the regular and Air Force Reserve until 1977, attaining the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Serving during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, he was stationed at numerous bases across the country and in Newfoundland and Greenland. Favorite assignments were Lowry AFB in Denver, Scott AFB in O’Fallon, IL and Richards-Gebaur AFB in Belton, MO.

In 1953 he married Dorothy Rexrode in Lawrence, KS and had three children. He was an accomplished home builder and built three homes. His primary occupation during his Reserve years was the US Post Office, working several positions from 1959 to 1972. The first marriage ended in divorce and he moved to Richards-Gebaur AFB. In Belton he met the love of his life, and in 1973 married Patricia (Pat) Stevens of Belton. The partnership flourished for 48 years.

Carl took extension courses while serving in the Air Force to complete his high school education, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in 1979, and achieved his MBA in Finance from Denver University in 1982. This allowed him to open a successful tax consulting personal business. He was inspired to succeed by being told he couldn’t accomplish something – he was a truly “self-made” man.

He became a member of the Lawrence Masonic Lodge in 1961 and was a very active member of the El Jebel Shrine of Denver.

Due to Pat’s promotions in the IRS, the couple moved 22 times in 20 years between 1986 and 2006. Their favorite places to live were Northern California, Arizona, and Denver. When Pat retired the couple and their beloved pet dachshund Spirit settled in Broomfield, CO but moved back to Belton in 2010 so Pat could take care of her mother. Carl’s extended family included 5 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter.

Pat preceded him in death in 2021 and Carl was residing at Carnegie Village at the time of his passing. He was also preceded in death by his father, mother, first wife, all his siblings and step-siblings, and one grandson who was serving in the US Navy.

He is survived by children Carla (Ken) Wicks of Ft. Worth, TX, Lloyd (Lisa) Kirk of Lenexa, and Kyle Kirk of Topeka—all three followed his example and served in the military. Also surviving are 4 grandchildren and all great and great-great grandchildren.

Services will be planned at a later date and the family recommends memorial gifts to either the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children or Wayside Waifs, in lieu of flowers.