Russell Kirby, 80, of Slater, died Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Big Bend Retreat in Slater.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Slater, with Fr. Francis Doyle officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 9:00 until 11:00 A.M. at the church. The family encourages everyone to wear black and gold in honor of Russell’s love for the Missouri Tigers. Burial will be in Slater City Cemetery, with Josh Thompson, Scott Wales, Chris Blumhorst, Jim Ed Peel, Brad Vesser, and Spencer Lampe serving as pallbearers.
Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church or the Slater High School Athletic Department in care of Weiker Funeral Home in Slater.
Born July 26, 1943 in Slater, he was the son of the late Dallas and Mildred Hayob Kirby. His childhood was filled with love, laughter, and hard work in the family homestead. On June 5, 1965, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Slater, he sealed his lifelong commitment to his high school sweetheart, Mary Helen Smith, who was the love of his life for fifty-three years, until she preceded him in death on May 28, 2019.
He is survived by a son, Derrick Kirby and his wife Cheryl of Slater; two daughters, Raquel Morris and her husband Cliff of Springdale, Arkansas, and Jeannie Pemberton and her husband Aaron of Omaha, Nebraska. He was a proud Gramps to his seven grandchildren:
Brooke Adamek (Jake), Dallas Kirby, Katie and Jenna Morris, and Gavin, Adisyn, and Isaac Pemberton; and his gentle, kind, and compassionate sister, Sandra Thompson and her husband Stanton of Higginsville. He was preceded in death by a sister, Lois Ann Vesser.
Russell was a 1961 graduate of Slater High School. While in high school, he was a sports enthusiast and star athlete, and was involved in several clubs such as FFA, where he received his State Degree. He showed cattle, winning several awards at the Missouri State Fair. He was a natural athlete and excelled in Basketball, Track, and Football.
Over his four years, he had many accomplishments and accolades, including All-Conference Football player, Co-Captain of the Basketball and Football teams, and still holds the Slater High School record in Shot Put from 1961. After high school, he attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Education. In 1965, he played football for the University as a defensive end until he was injured and joined the coaching staff as a Graduate Assistant. He then went on to get his Master’s in Administration. After college, he started his career in 1966 at Palmyra High School as the Physical Education teacher and head football and track coach until 1971. In 1972, he moved the family to Kirksville, to take a position at Northeast Missouri State University, where he was the assistant football coach, and an instructor in physical education. From 1975 to 1977, he was at the Marshall Habilitation Center in an administrative position. In 1977, he accepted a role as a High School Principal in Paris, Missouri.
After the passing of his father, he moved his family to Slater in 1981, to start a new career path with his Insurance Business and purchased the family farm to raise his family. During his forty-year career with Shelter Insurance, he received numerous awards. Those achievements allowed him and Mary to travel throughout the US, Canada, and European countries, such as Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland, and London in Great Britain. Mary supported him throughout his career and was his biggest fan.
Russell’s commitment to his community was evident in his active participation in various organizations. He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Slater, where he held a leadership role with the Parish Council. He was also a member of the Slater Development Corporation, the 401 Couples Club, MIZZOU Alumni Association, and MIZZOU Letterman Winners Club, further cementing his ties to his alma mater and his community.
His life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to his family and community. As a respected businessman, he touched the lives of all who knew him with his kindness and generosity. His tireless work, giving spirit, and boundless love were the very foundation of his family. He stood as a pillar of strength, always present, and his influence on our lives and community was profound. He forged several deep and meaningful friendships throughout his years of life and continues to have a strong impact on others.
Russell found joy and contentment in his personal interests and passions. He took pride in keeping his yard mowed, enjoyed watching cooking shows, and found comfort in his favorite series, “Heartland” and “Longmire’. He looked forward to planting his garden for the seasons ahead and savored a refreshing gin and tonic or a zesty bloody Mary on occasion. His ultimate treat was indulging in a chocolate malt, and he cherished moments spent with his grandchildren. He was a dedicated supporter of his beloved Missouri Tigers, a season ticket holder for over fifty years, and highlighted for his contributions to the Missouri Athletic Department. His passions and simple pleasures brought light and warmth to all who knew him, reflecting his zest for life.