Robert F Kirkby

Robert F. Kirkby, 98, of Elkhart, died at home on Tuesday, January 8, 2019.  

He was born to the late Oron A. & Melva (Letts) Kirkby on March 9, 1920 in Moline, MI.    He married Letha E. Stickel on June 2, 1946 in Elkhart.   She preceded him in death on December 28, 2016. He was also preceded in death by brother Thomas Kirkby, sister Mary E. Meyers, a grandson Jason White and son-in-law Joseph Montagano.

Robert was the purchasing agent for the city of Elkhart many years ago.  He also served as the deputy assessor for Concord Township.

Robert was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving during WWII and traveled on Honor Flight #18 to the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. in 2015.  He was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church and former member of the Masonic Lodge.   Robert enjoyed dancing and years ago won the Elkhart County Jitterbug contest.  He also enjoyed riding Indian Motorcycles in his youth.  He was a silver smith, enjoyed golf, bowling, making grandfather clocks and spending time at the lake house he built in Howe, IN.  He also enjoyed tinkering in his workshop.   

Mr. Kirkby is survived by daughters Robin Hansell (Doug Littlepage – Fiance) Union, MI, Jeannie Montagano, Bristol and Suzanne White, Lake in The Hills, IL, brother Oron A. Kirkby, Sierra Madre, CA, 6 Grandchildren, 8 Great-grandchildren and special caregiver Gertrude Namuchimba.

Funeral services will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elkhart, on Saturday January 12, 2019 at 1:00 PM.  Rev. Terri Peterson will officiate.  Visitation will be held in the common room one hour prior to the start of services.  Burial will be in Rice Cemetery, Elkhart.  Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 226 W. Lexington Ave, Elkhart, IN 46516 or National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 3500 Depauw Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46268.

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