Obituary of John Robert Kirby

     John Robert Kirby, a resident of Walton, KY passed away surrounded by his loving family on Friday, February 12, 2021 at the age of 74.

     He was born in Covington, KY on January 3, 1947; the son of Elliot and Jenevieve Kirby. John proudly served his country in the United States Army having been enlisted during the Vietnam War. He and his wife were the owners and operators of J-MAR Concrete & Excavating. In his spare time, John enjoyed traveling, particularly to the Florida Keys to boat and fish. He also enjoyed playing cards and gardening at his home. His greatest joy, however, came from spending time with his beloved family who he cherished deeply.

     Those who preceded John in death include his father, Elliot Kirby; a sister, Marlene Kirby; a brother, Jeffrey Kirby; a son-in-law, Timothy Knaley and a great-granddaughter, Kiara Smith.

     Those surviving to carry on John’s legacy include his loving and faithful wife of nearly 51 years, Martha (nee Boh) Kirby; children, Jennifer (dec. Timothy) Knaley, Douglas (Kimberly) Kirby, Michael (Missy) Kirby and Matthew (Jennifer) Kirby; mother, Jenevieve Kirby; siblings, Diana (George) Finke, Belinda (Paul) Grimes, Theresa (Charles) Anderson and Jay (Julie) Kirby; grandchildren, Katherine Smith, Tressie Kirby, Samantha Buring, Jacob Kirby, Karrie Kirby, Alek Kirby, Karen Knaley, Kaitlyn Kirby, Jeremy Knaley, Kourtlan Kirby and Caleb Kirby; step-grandchildren, Andrew Knaley, Allison Braasch, Heather Knaley and Joey Knaley; 7 great-grandchildren; 12 step-great-grandchildren; as well as many other close relatives and friends who are now emptier upon his passing.

     Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, face masks are required, social distancing is encouraged, and 50% capacity will be limited at the church.

     A visitation honoring John’s life will take place from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM on Friday, February 19, 2021 at All Saints Catholic Church, 62 Needmore Street, Walton, KY 41094.  A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 12:00 PM at the church. Rev. Matthew Cushing will officiate the service. John will then be laid to rest with full military honors at St. Patrick Cemetery in Verona, KY.

     In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that any expressions of sympathy be made to either All Saints Catholic Church (see address above), Sisters of St. Joseph the Worker, 1 St Joseph Lane, Walton, KY 41094 or to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1^st Street, Suite #800, Miami, FL 33131.

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