Richard B. Kirk

Richard B. Kirk, age 95 of Mattoon, IL passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home in Mattoon, IL. A funeral service in his honor will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at the First Baptist Church, 1804 S. 9th Street, Mattoon, IL 61938. Reverend Dennis Strawn will officiate. A committal service will immediately follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Mattoon, IL. Military Rites will be conducted by Mattoon VFW Post 4325. The visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Tuesday evening, February 20, 2024, at the church. Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938 is in charge of services. Richard was born on April 8, 1928, in Mattoon, IL to the late Clyde and Grace B. (Webb) Kirk. He married Norma Jean Seaman on June 27, 1948, in Mattoon, IL; she preceded him in death on August 22, 2016. He is survived by one daughter, Shelley ZuHone and husband Dan of Mattoon, IL; six grandchildren: John ZuHone and wife Jessi of Quincy, MA, Megan Lakemacher and husband Justin of Shakopee, MN, Bethany Kirk of Sullivan, IL, Bostyn Kirk and fiancé Brandon Hahn of Tuscola, IL, Baylee Bath and husband Derric of Fishers, IN, Brennyn Daily and husband Dru of Sullivan, IL; six great-grandchildren: William and Audrey ZuHone, Ryland Lakemacher, Leighton Bath, Bennett and Andie Daily; and daughter-in-law, Sarah Kirk of Gays, IL. He was preceded in death by one son, Mike Kirk; one grandson, Kirk ZuHone; and one great-grandson, Brady Daily. Mr. Kirk was a proud veteran of the US Army and served during the Korean Conflict. He was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church and a thirty-five-year member of the Kiwanis Club both in Mattoon, IL. For more than thirty-six years, he was an insurance agent at Country Companies in Mattoon, IL. He also ran a small family business, R. B. Kirk and Son Trucking, where he worked alongside his son, Mike. After his retirement he worked as a farm hand. A skilled craftsman and carpenter, Richard took pride in making wooden cars with motors and doll houses for his grandchildren. He also built two boats from scratch. Even in his older years he had a mini workstation in his nursing home room where he built wooden bird houses and toys that he gifted to family, friends, nurses, and doctors. He was a member of the Lettermen Club and was later inducted into the Mattoon High School Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in football. Richard’s most heartwarming moments were those spent with family and friends. He savored the memories made. Memorials in his honor may be made to the First Baptist Church.

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Richard B. Kirk

April 8, 1928 - February 15, 2024