PARTRIDGE - John Robert "Bob" Hirst, 84, died May 19, 2008, at Hester Care Center, Wesley Towers.

He was born Jan. 7, 1924, at Hutchinson, the son of George Walter and Zella D. Holaday Hirst.

He was a lifetime resident of Partridge, and he graduated from Partridge High school in 1942, and then earned his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice.

He was a retired correctional officer for the Kansas Department of Corrections. He belonged to the Partridge Community Church, and was a member of I.O.O.F. Reno Lodge #99, Patriotic Militant Encampment Reno #21. He was also a WWII veteran serving with the U.S. Army.

On Oct. 20, 1945, he married Erna June Matzen, at Buffalo Wyoming. She survives.

Survivors include: son, John A. Hirst, and wife Bobbie, Hollyrood; daughter, Christina F. Carroll, Hutchinson; brothers, W. Allen and wife Eva Hirst, Hutchinson, George W. and wife Dodie Hirst, Wyoming, Ill.; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Place of Dear Island, Ore.; Adeline Jacobs of Kipian Sands, Wash.; six grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by a sister, Maryann Tucker.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, at Partridge Community Church, Partridge, with the Rev. R. Samuel Askew presiding. Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Burial will be in Partridge Cemetery, with military graveside honors conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard.

Memorials may be sent to Partridge Community Church, Good Samaritan Fund at Wesley Towers, and Victory in the Valley.

Personal condolence may be left at www.elliottmortuary.com.