Wendell Kirby
Wendell D. Kirby, 85, died Sunday
(March 31, 2019) at Newton Presbyterian Manor. He was born Aug. 24,
1933, in Arlington to Taylor C. and Nina E. (Reynolds) Kirby.
He retired as a dispatcher in 1994
after 27 years with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern
California.
On June 28, 1953, he married Barbara
Jane Parker and they were later divorced; she preceded him in death
on Oct. 27, 1993. He later married Caroline Wills on Aug. 12, 1973,
in Parker, Ariz.; she survives.
Wendell was a 1951 graduate of Newton
High School. He served his country in the National Guard, being
discharged in 1955 after earning the rank of Sergeant. While in the
National Guard, he worked in radio and communications.
He was a member of the Elks Lodge 2399
in Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
Wendell is survived by his wife,
Caroline, of Newton; children: Debby and Lloyd Stoddard and Denise
and Kelly Hayes, both of Newton, Kathy and Rick Fitzjarrell of Katy,
Texas, Shannon Wills of Cedar Park, Texas, Tim Wills of Anaheim,
Calif., and Teri Wills of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; and sister, Deanna
and Leroy Schelske of Lancaster, Calif. He is also survived by his
grandchildren and their families: Sarah (Andy) Groening and Della;
Amber (Tom) Baker, Katelyn and Ian; Aaron Quarles, Laina and Grace;
Carson Hayes; Emilee (Jason) Kelly, Lela and Henry; Tiffany Hayes;
Ian Fitzjarrell; Ryan (Meäxghan) Fitzjarrell and Kingston; Jeremy
(Jamie) Fitzjarrell, Tyler and Tanner; Charlie Thomas; Jeffrey Thomas
and Andrew Thomas. Wendell is also survived by several nieces and
nephews.
A memorial service will be 10:30 a.m.
Friday (April 5, 2019) at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church,
with the Rev. Donna Voteau presiding. The family will greet friends
one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the
Restlawn Gardens of Memory, rural Newton.
Memorials are suggested to Newton
Presbyterian Manor or Good Shepherd Hospice in care of Petersen
Funeral Home.
