Wilbur Clay Kirby

Wilbur Clay Kirby of Kansas City, Kansas passed on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at Park Meadows Assisted Living in Overland Park, Kansas. He was 95 years old. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 from 11:00 am-12:00 pm. The Funeral service to follow at Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home, 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, KS 66112. Interment will follow at Leavenworth National Cemetery, 150 Muncie Rd, Leavenworth, Kansas 66048 with full United States Army honors.

Wilbur was born on January 9, 1925 in Kansas City, Kansas to Wilbur and Lillian (Pasley) Kirby. He was born and raised at the historical Grinter House in Kansas City, Kansas. He is the descendant of the settler Moses Grinter, who was his great-grandfather. Moses Grinter was the first white settler in Wyandotte County. Wilbur also is part of the Delaware Tribe bloodline. Wilbur attended and graduated from Turner High School in 1943. He worked part time during high school to pay for his education. After graduating in May 1943, Wilbur was drafted into the United States Army, two short months later in July 1943. During the war, Wilbur served with the 41st Armor Division, commanded by General Patton in the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, he returned home to serve in the Kansas Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves until March 1, 1980, retiring at the rank of Colonel. He was decorated with several honors including, the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, Victory Ribbon, Eamet Ribbon, and American Theater Ribbon and awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his bravery in WWII for Meritorious Achievement in ground operations against the enemy European operations on or about October 22, 1944.

Upon retiring from the Army, Wilbur began his career at Dean Machinery/Caterpillar. He worked in management operations of the Kansas City facility and was on the Board of Directors. He worked diligently at Caterpillar until his retirement. Wilbur was a dedicated man to his family, his country, and his career. He instilled his hard work and ethics into his family and friends. Wilbur was a dear man, loved by many and will be dearly missed.

Wilbur was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty A. Kirby, and his parents, Wilbur and Lillian Kirby.

Left to cherish his legacy is his children, Jimmy (Betty) Kirby, Terry Kirby, Larry (MaryJo) Kirby, and Sherry (Roxy) Kirby; ten grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; along with many other family and friends.