Joe Kirby, Jr

Joe Kirby, Jr., longtime Nowata resident, passed away Monday, December 16, 2024, surrounded by family at Osage Nursing Home in Nowata. He was born August 1, 1946, in Melbourne, Arkansas to Joe and Nina (Rush) Kirby. He attended school in Nowata and graduated with the class of 1964. 

Joe served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam war where he was stationed in Fliegerhorst, Germany as a Tech Supply Specialist. After his tour of duty in the Army, he worked for Fred’s Fine Foods, Lander’s Grocery, Apple Market, Turner Brothers, and Nowata First Baptist Church until he retired. 

Joe was a member of the First Baptist Church where he served in about every position of service. He had a deep commitment to Christ and faithfully attended until his health declined. He loved his family deeply and always enjoyed their visits and time together. 

Joe is survived by his brothers, Ernest Kirby and wife, Wanda, and Grady Kirby and wife, Cindy, of Nowata; sisters, Henrietta Kirby, Mary Kirby, and Treva Belden of Nowata; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sina Pine; and brother-in-law, Donald Belden. 

The family will receive friends Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 P.M. in the chapel of Benjamin Funeral Service. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. in the chapel of Benjamin Funeral Service with Bro. Steve Cody officiating. Interment will follow at Nowata Memorial Park Cemetery with Luke Wilson, Noah Belden, Donald Belden, Michael Frauenberger, Matthew Frauenberger, and Jesse Jackson serving as casket bearers. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in the care of Benjamin Funeral Service of Nowata.