Gary Dean Kirby

Goreville Gary Dean Kirby, 77, of Goreville was reunited with his wife at 4:35 AM on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion surrounded by his family. Masonic Rites will be performed by the Saline Masonic Lodge #339 at 12:45 PM on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at Blue Funeral Home-Goreville. Funeral services will be conducted for Mr. Kirby on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 1:00 PM in Blue Funeral Home-Goreville with Ron Ferguson, PHD, officiating. Interment will follow in Cana Cemetery-Goreville. A time of gathering for family and friends will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 PM Friday, May 4, 2012 at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Southern Illinois; envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL, 62959. Gary was born to Lester “Dutch” & Stella “Peggy” (Lewis) Kirby in Johnson County on Thursday, August 2, 1934. He married Alice Mae Stewart on Saturday, December 22, 1956 in Coronado, CA. She preceded him on Sunday, June 21, 2009, after 52 years of marriage, at their family home; Gary was faithfully by her side. Mr. Kirby is survived by his children, Kevin & Lorna Kirby of Goreville, Teresa & Robin Pauls of Marion and Kirk & Elizabeth Kirby of Goreville; grandchildren, Karra Kirby, Chisum Kirby, Cody Pauls, Kirby Pauls and Hannah Kirby; brother, Bob & Jeanette Kirby of Goreville and several nieces & nephews. Gary Dean is being lead home by his parents, Lester & Stella; wife, Mae; brothers, Harold Kirby & Billy Kirby and sister, Pauline Billingsley. Mr. Kirby attended the 1st Baptist Church in Goreville. Gary served his Country in the United States Navy from 1953-1957 during the Korean Conflict. He was known throughout the area as a breeder of purebred Limousine Cattle; leading him to become one of the founding members of the Limousine Association. Mr. Kirby served on the Goreville High School Board and was a 4-H Leader. Gary Dean loved spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. The family of Mr. Kirby would like to extend a grand and heart-felt thank you to Pearl Pierson & Nina Carter for their compassion and special care given to Gary during his final days.