Donald Markham Kirk Jr.

1925 - 2019

Donald Markham Kirk Jr. obituary, 1925-2019, Baton Rouge, LA

BORN

1925

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory East

11000 Florida Boulevard

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Donald Kirk Obituary

Donald Markham Kirk Junior died peacefully at home on Sunday, April 14, 2019 at the age of 93. Don was born on September 6, 1925 in his lifelong home of Baton Rouge. He graduated from Baton Rouge High School and LSU's College of Engineering. Don married his college sweetheart, Sammie Nell Eldred, in 1949 and they soon welcomed their three children: Mark, Donna, and Paul. Don enjoyed a long and fulfilling career with Ethyl Corporation and eventually retired as the Superintendent of Maintenance. Don was a World War II Veteran who served in the United States Navy. He was a charter member of Broadmoor Presbyterian Church where he was named an Elder Emeritus. Don graciously volunteered in the Baton Rouge community serving Junior Achievement as the Baton Rouge President and on the State Board, as a member of the Rotary Club, and as a Scout Master of Troop 1 First Presbyterian Church and Troop 128 Broadmoor Presbyterian Church. Don was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity at LSU and was named a Life Loyal Sig. He was a member of the Louisiana State Board of Registered Engineers. Don is survived by his loving wife of 70 years Sammie Nell Eldred Kirk. They have three children, Mark Landry Kirk Sr. and wife, Lisa, Paul Eldred Kirk and wife, Lorraine, daughter Donna Kirk Bass and husband, Frank; grandchildren Sarah Bass Akridge, Joseph Stockton Bass, Paul Markham Bass, Austin James Kirk, Mark Landry Kirk, Jr., Randi Kirk Sykes, and Carolyn Kirk Vosburg. Don will be remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his mother Mary Tom Pierson Kirk, his father Donald Markham Kirk Sr., his brother Francis Landry Kirk, and his sister Helen Kirk Griffon. Don was known for his integrity, work-ethic, humility, and dedication to family, church, and community-he was truly the embodiment of the greatest generation. A visitation will be held at Broadmoor Presbyterian Church beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 until the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Reverend Barrett Ingram will officiate the ceremony. Interment will follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Broadmoor Presbyterian Church.

Published by The Advocate from Apr. 15 to Apr. 17, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
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I was saddened to hear that Don passed away. It was truly a pleasure working under him for many years at Ethyl Corp. He was a man of high integrity and will be missed by all who knew him. May his family be comforted in knowing he loved every one of you.

John Lewis

April 17, 2019

Dear Mrs Sammy, Mark, Donna, Paul, and family

I just heard from Jerry (Fuzzy' from your dad with the Troops) about Mr Don's passing. I am so sorry to hear that, but I feel certain that Tiny' met him at the gates of heaven for a Troop Reunion up there!
I have so many fond memories of Reunions with Big Don making breakfasts with Dad. It is a great loss of a sweet, compassionate man that had a heart of gold. He will be truly missed by everyone that had the opportunity to know, and love him.
I am praying for all of you to find peace for the Lord raised him up on eagles wings to be with Him now.

Molly Middleton

April 17, 2019

Mrs Sammy
My sincere condolences on your loss of Mr Don.

Michael Vaughn

April 17, 2019

Mark,
My condolences on the loss of your Dad.
Cleve Fontenot

cleve fontenot

April 17, 2019

Dearest Mrs Sammy, Mark, Donna , Paul and family:
Dianne and I just heard about Mr Don's death, and we wanted to say how sorry we are for the passing of such a great man. But, we are rejoicing, as we know he is now in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Dianne and I still rememberer the engagement dinner you hosted for us, and she keeps saying that both of you were the sweetest people she has ever known.
We wish that we could make it to the services tomorrow, but we will not be able to attend.
Our prayers will be with all of you, and we will ask for the Lord's peace and comfort on all of you.
In Christ's love,
Wayne and Dianne McKenzie

Wayne & Dianne Mckenzie

April 16, 2019

I have many many fond memories of Mr. Kirk. He worked with my Dad at Ethyl as well as a attending church together. He was the epitome of a Southern gentleman. Along with all of the duck camp crew that passed before him he will be missed. I extend our prayers for peace and comfort to the entire Kirk family.

Dickie Hamilton

April 16, 2019

I worked with Don for many years. I was secretary in Maintenance. He was a wonderful man and loved his family.

Peggy Kennedy

April 16, 2019

Mark
Sorry to hear about your dad.

Bob Snellgrove

April 16, 2019

Mark, So very sorry to hear of your loss. I never met your father, but knew he had to be a wonderful man from the way you spoke of him. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

Daphne Roberts

April 16, 2019

Such a remarkable man, and such a strong lady! Thank you for letting me be a part of y'all's life. I am a better person for it! I will miss my "50 First Dates" with Papa. He so loved Sammie aka Sugar!! He was such a selfless man, just kept asking me to watch out for that blonde hair, blue eyed little girl. If all women could meet such a man!!! And to watch Sugar do what she did day in and day out, still leaves me in awe. Such love! I can only aspire to find that relationship!! I love you Papa & Sugar!!

"May you walk in the Sunshine of his love!"

Carla McNamee

April 16, 2019

I have fond memories of Mr. Don (aka Akela in my Cub Scout days). He was larger than life to us kids and a wonderful human being.

Mark and I went to school together for 12 years at Broadmoor Elementary, Jr. High and Senior High Schools. I also remember many social events at my parent's house with the Kirks and other Broadmoor families. Great memories...

May God give you His grace and peace at this time as you mourn his passing.

Matt Galey

April 16, 2019

Warm memories of a close neighbor and family friend. My prayers are with the whole family.

Mary Gray

April 15, 2019

Offering prayers for a fallen sailor.

Barry Jarreau

April 15, 2019

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Memorial Events
for Donald Kirk

Apr

17

Visitation

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Broadmoor Presbyterian Church

LA 70815

Apr

17

Funeral service

2:00 p.m.

Broadmoor Presbyterian Church

LA 70815

Funeral services provided by:

Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory East

11000 Florida Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70815

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