Dennis R. Kirby

Dennis R. Kirby

October 15, 1946 – October 18, 2025

Dennis Ray Kirby was born in Leachville, Arkansas on October 15, 1946, to William A. and ElMarie (Nelson) Kirby. As was tradition, they moved their bed to her mother’s house, where Dennis was born and where mama and aunts could care for her and her baby. His dad was so excited that he drove around through cotton fields on dirt roads in the dark honking his horn and shouting, “I’ve got a fine big boy! I’ve got a fine big boy!”

Dennis was their first born and older brother to Gary who was born deaf. Because of that, the family moved to Kalamazoo so that Gary could attend Parkwood-Upjohn School.

Dennis was taken to church the very first Sunday after his birth and was baptized at the age of 13. Examples of the result of that can be seen as highlights of his life are reviewed.

He attended Kalamazoo Public Schools and graduated from Loy Norrix in 1964. While there, he excelled in track and cross country. Upon graduation, he furthered his education at Michigan Christian College in Rochester Hills, Michigan, followed by graduating from Kendall School of Design in Grand Rapids. The Army drafted him immediately, and his talents were utilized at the Pentagon as a graphic illustrator of charts and reports which included the My Lai Massacre.

Upon honorable discharge, technology was rapidly changing in the profession he thought would be his; but unable to further his graphic arts training, he moved on to other opportunities. He was a manager for Osco Jewel Stores, which relocated him to Champaign, Illinois. While there, he pursued his interests that would utilize his Christian background and lead him to his love of jail ministry which he continued to do in Kalamazoo for a total of seventeen years. His goal was to spread the gospel of Christ, so he immersed himself into Christian service that included driving children to Sunday School in the Joy Bus, teaching children and adults through animated and illustrative Bible studies and classes, preaching from the pulpit, and extensive involvement in one of his favorite mission fields, Beechwood Hills Christian Camp in Hopkins, where he served as board president, camp director, counselor, teacher, and chief instigator of fun and mischief which included his legendary ghost stories. 

He would engage people in conversations about salvation and service for the kingdom wherever he went. Most recently at Grandville Church of Christ, he was known for asking random Bible trivia questions, age appropriate for young and old alike. He rewarded them with a current-day gold dollar from which he always had a few in his pocket. As the saying goes, he never met a stranger. For some time, he worked weekends at Roller World, an environment in which he thrived with young people because he could enter into their world, hear their music and understand their challenges, which enabled him to talk to them on their level, looking for more opportunities to spread the Word. Among the young campers at Beechwood Hills were Molly and Larry Morrell. In June of 1990, he married the mother of those two campers, Anne Flegal Morrell. Reflecting back over 40 years, it is evident that God’s hand was all over this union.

Dennis had a small bucket list and fulfilled every item on it. He wanted a secure job, a loving wife, children and grandchildren, a visit to the Holy Lands, and to honor and serve God. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 2013 which was the same day Anne retired from a different office. What a celebration.

Always a conscientious man, he was a reliable and hard-working employee, loving husband, 'dad', and grandpa. He was always smiling and had such a positive outlook on life, knowing that each day would be more than enough, more than he deserved, and that God already had his life mapped out and secure. He passed on those qualities to Anne and to anyone who cared to follow his example.

He peacefully passed to glory on October 18, 2025, but he was not alone, as Anne cared for him until his last breath.

He is survived by Anne and their children, Molly (Ryan) Wieber of Lincoln, Nebraska, Ben and (Breanna) Wieber and baby Wesley of Kalamazoo, Sophie of Philadelphia, Matthew of Sarasota.

Larry (Kim) Morrell of Kalamazoo, Sarah (Jordan) Owens and daughters Avery and Lily of Otsego, Luke and Daniel Morrell of Kalamazoo, and Mother-in-law Mary Flegal.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, and Father-in-law Larry Flegal.

He was a simple man who enjoyed a simple life which was never boring. He did not expect much, but gained everything. He gained Heaven. When asked how he wanted to be remembered, he replied, “He lived. He died. He went to Heaven.”

A memorial celebration will be held Saturday, July 25 at Grandville Church of Christ 3725 - 44th Street SW Grandville, 49418 starting with a time of visiting from 9:30-11 with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 11 AM.

Memorial gifts can be made out to Beechwood Hills Camp 3144 - 22nd Street Hopkins, MI 49328, a camp that was very dear to Dennis' heart.

The family is being assisted by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 120 S. Woodhams St. Plainwell, MI 49080 (269-685-5881).