Elbert Lee Kirk

Elbert Lee Kirk

Elbert Kirk Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jun. 18 to Jun. 20, 2009.
Our Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Son and Brother went to be with his Lord, Jesus on May 9, 2009 and had many loved ones waiting for him. We will be remembering him as the best man we have ever known. Funeral services for Elbert Lee Kirk, 69 of Athens, were held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 13, 2009 at New Eustace High School Gymnasium with Rev Edwin McDaniel and Rev Larry Dunn officiating. Coach Chuck Powers and Superintendent Dr. Holcomb gave remarks. Interment followed at LaRue Cemetery. Masonic Rites will be held by Eustace Masonic Lodge #1199 AFAM. Elbert passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2009 in Tyler. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Athens. Mr. Kirk was born February 8, 1940 in Corsicana, Texas to Chester Lee and Helen Davis Kirk. He grew up in Cayuga, graduated from Cayuga High School and received his master's degree from East Texas State University. When he was a senior at Cayuga High School, he was chosen to play on the all state basketball team. Mr. Kirk started working for the Eustace Independent School District in 1963, was a basketball coach for 12 years and a principal for 20 years and was presently serving as Director of Special Programs. In September of 2008, he was honored in San Antonio at the All Star Basketball Game. In 2009 Elbert was honored by having the Eustace New High School Gymnasium named after him in honor of his dedication to all of his students. Dedication of the building is to be in August of 2009. His beloved mother, Helen Davis Kirk, his mother-in-law, Zola Pitts, father-in-law, Dalton Pitts, his nephew, Glen McDaniel and his best friend and brother-in-law, Raymond McDaniel, preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Linda Kirk of Athens; father, Chester Lee Kirk of Cayuga; daughter, Michelle Lee Kirk of Athens; son, Tommy Lee Kirk of Athens; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Debbie Kirk of Mobile, AL; brothers and sisters-in-law; Wayne and Nancy Pitts of Athens, Loretta McDaniel of LaRue; grandchildren, Dustin Lee Kirk, Amanda Kailee Kirk, Haleigh Elizabeth Pierce and one great-grandson, Urijah Lee Ellis. Pallbearers included, Chuck Powers, James Lookabaugh, Gene Bethea, Robert Cook, Donald Cope and Steve Junell. Honorary Pallbearers include all students that he taught and loved in his 46 years of service to the Eustace School District. The family requests no home visits and no food. The family received condolences at the Cooper Funeral Home on Friday evening.

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June 18, 2009

Debbie (Massey) scarborough posted to the memorial.

June 18, 2009

Faith Felts posted to the memorial.

June 18, 2009

Gwen & Tommy Bohannon and family posted to the memorial.

Debbie (Massey) scarborough

June 18, 2009

I am so sorry to here of the lose of Mr.Kirk he was a great man and I loved being at Eustace school with him we had many good time at Eustace with him and the rest of the staff it was one big family with him I know he is in a much better place and he is with my Dad now and I know it will be hard for you but just remember the good he did for so many.My God Bless Each And Everyone.

Faith Felts

June 18, 2009

Mr. Kirk was great man that will be sorely missed. Eustace school district has lost a great man, teacher, and mentor.

Gwen & Tommy Bohannon and family

June 18, 2009

We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Kirk's passing.
We didn't know until after his service. I worked with him for several years and had the utmost respect for him. When our family remembers times when our kids were in high school, they never fail to mention him and tell a story of something he said or did. We all thought the world of him. Your family is in our prayers.

Judy England-Diggles

June 16, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Kirk's passing. I wish I could have made it to the service but I was out of town and just found out of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a good man.

Richard Harvey

June 15, 2009

Mr. Kirk was much more to me than a coach and principle to me he was an inspiration, he was responsible for me finishing High School. He will be missed but always remembered by all that he touched.

Ferris Gunnels

June 14, 2009

He was a great man , he spent many years as a mentor and role model for the students of Eustace High. He will be dearly missed . He instilled in me values that I have used throughout the years. Here's to You Eb may God continue to use you in heaven as He has used you here on earth.
God Bless

Margie McCarley/Jernigan

June 12, 2009

Mr.Kirk was my real life hero and will always be. His love for the game of basketball was contagious and his care and concern for others surpasses the ordinary. You may never know the stories shared over the phone and internet these last days from people far away, how he influenced our lives, took some to ball games to be better, help others get to graduate and boost our self esteem. Linda, you did too and thank you. The McCarley family always loved both of you dearly as family and Misty, Tommy and Linda, mine and mothers prayers are ever with you. Elbert Kirk made his final goal-helping people.

Kim Faulk Pate

June 12, 2009

Dear Linda & family,
I am so very sorry to hear about Eb's
passing. He was a very dear & special
friend to Daddy and I will always be
grateful for that. I just want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers & I hope God's comfort and peace will get you through this most difficult time.

June 11, 2009

Mr.Kirk was the most honorable man me and my children ever knew. I will never forget his kindness shown to me and my family through the years we knew him. My family is very sad to hear of his passing.
On a personal note, Caren and Janice, remember the times he would come by and pretend to throw a grenade and said he could take out all three of us at once cause we were all chatting together in one office? :) Or walk by and comment to us "easy money?"
Our deepest heartfelt sympathy are with his family during this sad time.
We loved and respected Mr. Kirk dearly.
Sincerely,
Sue (Sheffield) Selvey, Kyle, Beau and Chris.

Lynn & Carolyn (Sister Junell) Tucker

June 11, 2009

Mr. Kirk was one of those teachers/coaches that you listen to and respected. Everybody loved him for his integrity, honesty, compassion and loyalty. He was a true friend to my entire family and will be missed.

Cooter Alexander

June 11, 2009

Sorry to hear of the passing of Elbert.

Ketha Dyer-Merrill

June 11, 2009

So Sorry about your loss. Your in my prayers.
Ketha Dyer Merrill

Stephen Pitts

June 11, 2009

Sorry we can't be there.Your all in mt Heart and Prayers. Love Stephen Pitts..

Judy and David Pritchard

June 11, 2009

Linda, I am deeply sorry for your loss. You are the poet, I do not have words to express how it saddens me to know Eb is gone. He was very loved and respected and I hope that will be a comfort to you and the children.

Billy Mitchell

June 11, 2009

I grew up with Elb & stayed in touch all these years. Farewell my friend &
Godspeed !
You will be sorely missed !

Jennifer Bennight Liggit

June 11, 2009

My thoughts and prayers to the Kirk Family. Mr. Kirk will truely be missed by all who's lives he touched. He was my mother's (Debra Joyce Junell Amos) Basketball Coach and Principal when I went to school in Eustace.

Jennifer Bennight Liggit

June 11, 2009

Michelle & Haleigh,

I know you are so proud to be able to say that this was my Father and Grandfather. You will have so many great memories. What an amazing legacy he has left for you. May God Bless and comfort you now and always.
We love you,
Les, Sandra, Beth, Ronnie, Nick and Shelby

Danny and Pat Simmons

June 11, 2009

My Wife and I were saddened to hear of the loss of Eb. His younger brother, Jim, was my best friend in high school and roommate at ETSU. I was proud to consider the whole Kirk family as great friends.

Eb's legacy lives on the lives of those he touched, whether as a coach, teacher, mentor or friend.

God bless you all!

Barney Combs

June 11, 2009

Mr Kirk will surely be missed. He was my principle while I went to school in Eustace. My thoughts and prayers surely goes out for his friends and family.

June 11, 2009

Lynn grew up with Mr. Kirk in Cayuga. He has good memories of those times.

I taught for Mr. Kirk for nine years, and he was an unforgettable role model and mentor. He taught me so much about the art of teaching. His gentle ways and caring nature will certainly be missed.

Lynn and Sharon Eggleston, Fairfield, Texas

Jackie Souza Richards

June 11, 2009

To the family I send my prayers for your loss.

Frances Johnson

June 11, 2009

I knew Elbert for many years and he was a good person (not many of those still around like him). He left a great legacy because teachers are the ones who mold our children. They are the most important people in this world and his legacy lives in every child he ever touched in so many ways. No other calling is so great. He will be missed.

Wanda Bailey-Grisham

June 11, 2009

Mr. Kirk was one of the most beloved Coach and Teacher that Eustace has ever had. He will surly be missed by all those that knew him and were honored to have him as mentor in their life.

Ray & Mary Pitts

June 11, 2009

We are all fortunate to have known this fine man during our lifetime. Our love is with you, Linda and your children. Wish we could be there but circumstances prevent us from making the trip but we know you have the support and love of many friends and family right now. We'll hopefully see you in the very near future. Our love,

Betty Jo Phillips-Session

June 11, 2009

Mr. Kirk was one of the nicest people you could have ever met. I feel blessed to have had him as a leader in my high school years. He will truly be missed. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow.

Larry Junell

June 11, 2009

Coach was one of the most influential people in my life. he taught me not only how to complete on the court, but also how to compete in life.

His leagacy is instilled in all of the kids that he touched. We will surely miss him.

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Sign Elbert Kirk's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 18, 2009

Debbie (Massey) scarborough posted to the memorial.

June 18, 2009

Faith Felts posted to the memorial.

June 18, 2009

Gwen & Tommy Bohannon and family posted to the memorial.