Claude Russel Kirby

Claude was born on October 19, 1929 in Houston, Texas to Sam and Alice Kirby, being the first of three sons. The family moved to Pasadena in 1936 where he grew up and graduated from Pasadena High School in 1948. He began his career with Houston Lighting and Power Co. in 1948 and after two years joined the Army during the Korean Conflict where he served two years. After this, he resumed his career with HL&P where he worked his way from a lineman's helper to the General Manager of Engineering, Transmission Construction, Transportation, Right of Ways and Shops. During this time, Claude continued with his education at the University of Houston and received an Engineering degree, being the first one in his family to graduate from college. He retired in April of 1992 after 40 plus years with the company. He continued working for several years doing contract work in Argentina and Turkey.

Claude married the love of his life, Billie June Hooper, on April 17, 1953 and celebrated 63 wonderful years of marriage this year. They both have been active members of the Church of Christ where Claude has been an inspiration to many serving as a deacon, treasurer and elder. They also went on many mission trips to Guatemala, Honduras, and other countries as well as endeavors closer to home. Claude always had an encouraging word and could light up the room with his sense of humor. Claude was also an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish, a love he passed onto his sons and grandsons.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Alice Kirby; brothers, Arthur Theodore "Ted" Kirby and Samuel Willard Kirby; son, Robert Allen "Hank" Kirby and grandson, Ryan Kaase.He is survived by his wife, Billie; son, Mark Alan Kirby and wife, Dee; daughter, Alice Kay Kaase; nine grandchildren, Robert S. Kaase and wife, Gayle, Robin Kaase & Korey Lopez, Dakota Kirby, Russel Kaase, Darrion Hardion and husband, Zach, Ana Kaase, Alyssa Kaase, Cheyenne Kirby, and Rex Kirby and 2 great-grandchildren, Hazel Kaase and Ian Gomoll.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 1:00 pm and a funeral service at 2:00 pm at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home, 18000 Interstate 45 South, The Woodlands, Texas 77384 with an entombment to follow.

The family would like to thank all of the friends and the A Med hospice family for all the help and prayers that have been given to us during the time Claude was battling dementia and other illnesses. We love and appreciate you all.