Vard Kirby

Vard KirbyVard Kirby, 86, passed away December 23, 2015. He is survived by his daughters, Deborah Vanatta and Donna Gardner; son, Dr. Daniel Kirby; sons-in-law Gregory Vanatta and Mark Gardner; daughter-in-law, Kelly Kirby; and grandchildren Jessica Vanatta, Lucas Vanatta, Austin Kirby, James Gardner, Alexandra Kirby, Adam Kirby, and Megan Gardner. Vard was born in Neshoba County, Mississippi on June 29, 1929 to a family of 9 children. Vard joined the United States Air Force, retiring in May of 1971 as a Tech Sergeant. While stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi, Vard met and married the love of his life, Jimmie Kirby, on December 17, 1955. Jimmie predeceased Vard just 3 months ago on September 28th. The two would have been married 60 years this December. Once Vard retired from the Air Force, he began his career at the U.S. Postal Service here in Pensacola, where he eventually retired after 20 years. Vard was a hard worker and family man. While working for the Postal Service and helping Jimmie raise their 3 children, Vard also attended the University of West Florida in Pensacola and achieved his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. The funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, December 30, 2015, at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel at 3 pm with Chaplain Ken Griffin officiating. Burial to follow at Bayview Memorial Park. www.bayviewfisher-pouchapel.comExpress your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits