Robert Kirk Sr.

Rev. Robert Kirk, Sr transitioned on February 21, 2022 after 100 blessed years of life. Born on June 11, 1922, to the parents of Henry and Willie Kirk in Dyersburg, TN. He received his high school degree from Bruce High School, Bachelor’s Degree from Tennessee State University, and Masters from Indiana University. On May 18th, 1947, he married Rachel Wilson and to that union 6 children were added. Robert Kirk, Jr. (Diana), Willie Doris Chambers, Barbara L. Kirk Harris, Benjamin A. Kirk, Bernard H Kirk and Brenda M. Kirk. Upon disillusion of 34 years of marriage, he was later married Mary E. Kirk for 13 years. Robert went into the military in combat in 1942. Robert served in the US Army and was honorably discharged in 1946. He served as a sergeant in WWII, deployed on D-day to France and was favored by God to be on a ship that was detained by his colonel for 26 days before landing. God had a plan for his life. Upon his honorable discharge, Robert and his family first resided in South Bend, IN and later resided in Bloomington, IN, where he attended Indiana University. After receiving his Masters in Education, he began his passion to help young people in social work as a school counselor for three Indiana school systems throughout his life: Monroe County Schools in Bloomington, Greater Clark County schools in Jeffersonville and Kokomo Schools. Robert Sr’s pastoral journey continued at Bethel Bloomington(1960-69), Bethel Jeffersonville (1969-77), simultaneously pastoring St. Paul AME in Corydon, IN for 3 years, Wayman Chapel Kokomo (1977-90) and Turner Chapel Ft Wayne (1990-91). It was at the 1991 Indiana Annual conference where Rev. Kirk was appointed the Indiana South District Presiding Elder under the hand of Bishop James Hasko Mayo. He served as Presiding Elder until his retirement in 2004. The gifts and graces God gave to Rev. Kirk were demonstrated throughout his years of pastoring in two distinct areas: growing churches and getting young people to obtain a higher level of education past high school. Rev. Kirk worked extensively in the community for ecumenical churches in the area. He served on many civic committees: The NAACP, president of the Council of Churches then became the president of IPCUM in Indianapolis, just to name a few. He is preceded in death by his parents, all of his siblings: Catherine Jarrett, Henry Hodges(Jack), Bennie James(Buck), John Wesley, Dona Monroe, Billy William(BW); daughter: Willie Doris Chambers, daughter-in-law: Arlene Bradley Kirk, son-in-law, Venard Chambers; granddaughter, Kamilah Kirk, nephew, Joseph Jarrett, and nieces Wilda Jones and Genora Jarrett.. He is survived by 3 sons: Robert Jr. (Diana), Benjamin A Kirk, Bernard H. Kirk; 2 daughters: Barbara L. Harris and Brenda M. Kirk, 12 grandchildren: Venita Roberts (Paul), Valerie Goodall (Robert), Vikki Hunter (Herb), Maisha Humphrey, Robert Michael Kirk, Chemberli Cline Smith (Paris), Cecily Cline Walton (John), R. Jeanine Harris, James A. Harris (Kelsey), Jessica M. Harris, Tylia Kirk, Olivia Kirk, 18 great-grandchildren and many wonderful grand nieces and nephews, great grand nieces and nephews. When asked how he was doing, his response was always, “I think I’m gonna make it”. HE MADE IT! CELEBRATION OF LIFE Retired Presiding Elder Robert Kirk Sr. March 4, 2023 VISITATION 11am FUNERAL 1pm LOCATION Wayman Chapel AME Church 920 North Apperson Way Kokomo Indiana 46901