Richard Lee Kirby

 

Richard Lee Kirby, 75, of Wabash, Indiana went to be with the Lord at 7:46 a.m. on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Parkview Wabash Hospital in Wabash, Indiana. He was born on November 16, 1948, to James William Sr. and Rhea Isabelle (Hileman) Kirby in Wabash, Indiana.

Richard was a lifetime resident of Wabash, Indiana. He was a 1967 graduate of Southwood High School. He married his wife, Patricia Brinegar on August 30, 1969, at Wabash Christian Church in Wabash, Indiana. Richard was a very hard worker at two jobs his whole life until retirement, concurrently as an autobody repairman at M&B Body Shop for over 40 years, and Wabash Fire Department, retiring after 20 years as a shift Lieutenant and EMT. He was drafted in the United States Army and served from 1969-1971 and was a veteran of the Viet Nam Conflict, reconnaissance team where he served as Platoon Sergeant for the Blue Tigers of Delta Troop 3/17th Air Calvary, 3rd Platoon Vietnam 1970. He went to basic training, (AIT), and Officer’s Training School at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Before going to Viet Nam, he and Pat were in Fort Hood, Texas.

Richard was an active member of the American Legion Post 15 in Wabash, Indiana. In his free time, he enjoyed being outdoors whether it was cold or hot weather. He was almost a permanent fixture sitting in his garage people watching, doing yard work, and spending time with family, especially his three precious great-granddaughters.

Richard is survived by his wife, Patricia M. Kirby of Wabash, Indiana; two sons, Craig (Michelle) Kirby of Wabash, Indiana, Corey Kirby of Fort Wayne, Indiana; one granddaughter, Briana Kirby of Wabash, Indiana; three great-granddaughters, Kendall, Paisley, Harper Joseph all of Wabash, Indiana; two sisters, Julie (Phil) Good of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Beverly Suddarth of Kokomo, Indiana; one brother, Merle Suddarth of Marion, Indiana; one brother-in-law, John Hacker of Markle, Indiana; and one sister-in-law, Diana Kirby. He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, James W. Kirby; two sisters, Joyce Hacker and Deloris Suddarth.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, with Pastor David Phillips officiating. Music during the service will be performed by Patricia, accompanied by Brian Frishman, Harper Joseph, Paisley Joseph, Kendall Joseph, and Kyria Hovey. Burial will follow at Falls Cemetery in Wabash, Indiana.

Visitation for friends and family will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials can be made to DVA of Wabash, Indiana, 1 West Hill Street, Wabash, Indiana 46992. 

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Richard L. Kirby’s  final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com