Robert Leroy Kirby Sr., was born on December 19, 1934, in Cherokee, Oklahoma, to John Thomas, Sr. and Ethel Pearl (Ingram) Kirby. Robert departed life on Friday, November 20, 2015, at Hutchinson Health and Rehabilitation.

Robert enlisted in the Army immediately after high school in 1953, serving in the National Guard, Army, and Navy Reserves for 30 years.

In 1959, he graduated from Northwestern Oklahoma State University, and spent a year in graduate study at Brown University in Providence, R.I. For 13 years, he taught high school math, chemistry, and physics. He owned R-K Pallet for 25 years, and retired as a chemist from Republic Paper Mill.

Robert was an active member of Park Place Christian Church. He enjoyed square dancing, holding offices in the State Fair Promenaders and the Kansas Square Dance Association. As a hobby, he enjoyed trains and volunteered as a train driver at the zoo.

Robert and Ruth Ann were married on April 23, 1954, in Cherokee, Oklahoma.

Survivors include: wife, Ruth Ann, of the home; children, Robert Kirby, Jr., Hutchinson, Desiree A. Rahman, M.D. (Sheikh), Naperville, Illinois, and Shawn Kirby (Margie), Hutchinson; grandson, Ryan S. Rahman, J.D., New York City, New York; step-grandsons, David and Christopher Janzen (Qonta), Hutchinson; great-grandsons, Christian and Nicolas Janzen; a sister; and a brother.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; a sister; and three brothers.

In December 2006, Robert was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and lived an active, full life, until he went to assisted living and then to the nursing home in September 2012.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 27, 2015, at Park Place Christian Church, 2600 N. Adams, Hutchinson, with the Rev. David Dubovich officiating. The family will greet friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the church. Graveside service will be Friday, November 27, 2015, at 3:30 p.m. at Cherokee Municipal Cemetery, Cherokee, Oklahoma, with military honors conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Friends may sign the book from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. today through Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Park Place Christian Church, the Alzheimer's Association, or Hutchinson Health and Rehabilitation Center, all in care of Elliot Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.