Robert Duane Kirk 79 of Litchfield formerly of Hillsboro died on July 26, 2018 at Northwestern Medical Center in Chicago. Mr. Kirk was born May 18, 1939 in Atwater, IL to John Harold and Alice Belle Norvell-Kirk. He attended first grade at Union School in rural Atwater.
The family moved to rural Farmersville in September 1947, where he attended Lake School southwest of Farmersville for two years until it was closed through consolidation into the Panhandle school district. The family lived on the John Kirk farm across from Macoupin Creek Cemetery and took care of John, His grandfather, until his death in late 1949. During Mr. Kirk’s youth he worked for LeVerne Gerhard for five years, a dairy farmer just south of where the Kirk family lived.
He enlisted in the US. Air Force, serving for eight years and being stationed at Perrin AFB in Texas, Osan AFB, South Korea and Edwards AFB, California. He served two tours of duty in South Korea.
While stationed in South Korea, he met and married Kim Lee on August 1, 1962. She preceded him in death in 2016. Mr. Kirk was honorably discharged from the Air Force on December 29, 1965.
He accepted a position with the Montgomery County Health Department on January 1, 1966. Later he was elevated to the position of director of environmental health, holding that position until his retirement on December 31, 2001. He managed the Orpheum Theater from June 1982 until June 1990, for Nor-Del Enterprises.
Mr. Kirk received a degree in Biology from Lincoln Land community College in 1974, continuing his education at Sangamon State University, SIU-E and SIU-C with some credits from the University of Maryland. Mr. Kirk was inducted into the Hillsboro Old Settlers Honor Society in 2007. He was a life member of the VFW Post 3912, a member of the American Legion Post 153, and Past Master of Mt.
Moriah Lodge #51 AF&AM, the Scottish rite, Valley of Springfield, The York Rite Bodies and the Swords of Bunker Hill He is survived by one daughter, Denice Lea (Tim) Spencer of Chicago; He is also survived by five grandchildren Brittany, Meaghan, Heather and Hannah Rhodes and Abby Kirk, three great grandchildren Lily, Elana and Levi, two brothers Roy N. (Ronda) Kirk, Clyde E. (Sophie) Kirk and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and one son John Stephan (Steve) Kirk in 2008 two sisters Carolyn Martin, Anita Allen and one nephew Lonnie Kirk. Memorials can be directed to the donor’s choice.
A visitation will be Tuesday July 31, 2018 from 4-7 PM at Hough & Sons Funeral Home in Hillsboro with Masonic rites starting at 4:00 PM. Funeral services will be Wednesday August 1, 2018 at 10:00 AM at Hough & Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Randy Sands officiating.
Burial and military rites will be in Elmwood cemetery in Litchfield.
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