Sam Kirby

Sam Kirby

1937 - 2011

Well known Howard County farmer Sammy Wayne Kirby, died Saturday, February 5, 2011, at his home near Burton. He was 73 years of age.

Mr. Kirby was born September 15, 1937, in north east Howard County to Robert Glen and Lola Grace Chandler Kirby. He attended school in Fayette, graduating with the class of 1955, and was a member of the Missouri National Guard. On October 27, 1957, he married Margie Rohlfing in New Franklin.

Mr. Kirby was employed for many years as a clerk and crew caller in Moberly for the Wabash and Norfolk and Western Railroad. He later became a computer analyst for the railroad and traveled system-wide. In 1986, he left the railroad to return to the farm where he lived and worked for the remainder of his life. He was a member of Higbee Lodge #527, A.F. & A. M. Always interested in the land and his walnut trees, he was proud of his involvement in tree farm programs and organizations.

Survivors include his wife and four children; Tammy (Mike) Nichols of Ellisville, MO, Clint Kirby of Fayette, Michael Kirby of Bloomington, IL, and Avinelle (Tim) Malone of Peoria, IL. Grandson Aristen Malone also survives as do two sisters; Ruth Ann(Richard) Conrow of Fayette, and Connie Hill of Higbee and five brothers; Bob (Jeanette) Kirby of Colorado Springs, CO, Raymond (Billie Jean) Kirby of Fayette, Robert G. (Marilyn) Kirby of Fayette, Dale (Carol) Kirby of Higbee, and Christopher "Butch" Kirby of Fayette. Also surviving are a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Bill, Buddy Pete, Roger, Jimmy, and Tom Kirby, sister, Bonnie Sue Baker and two brother-in-laws, Arthur and Norman Rohlfing.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm, Wednesday, February 9 at Friemonth-Freese Chapel in Fayette with Rev. John Bill Spillman officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery near New Franklin with Joe Pete and Jessie Terrell, Oran Boulden, Dale Felten, Matthew Kirby, Donnie Chandler, and Larry Wies serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday evening, February 8 with Masonic Services conducted at 7:30 pm.

Memorials are suggested to Mount Pleasant Cemetery Association or a charity of your choice in care of Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service; 174 Hwy 5 & 240 N.; Fayette, MO 65248.