Michael K. "Mike" Kirk

GAYS - Michael "Mike" K. Kirk, age 53, of Gays, Illinois, was taken Home by his angel on February 16, 2008 at 4:43 a.m. Funeral Services celebrating his life will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at the Central Community Church, 200 Lafayette East, Mattoon, IL 61938 with Rev. Lou Butler officiating. Interment will be at Branchside Cemetery, Gays, Illinois. Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 19, 2008 from 5:00-8:30 p.m. at the Central Community Church with another visitation being held on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the Central Community Church. Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Ave., Mattoon, IL 61938 is in charge of arrangements. Mike was born June 5, 1954, in Mattoon, Illinois, the son of Richard and Norma Jean (Seaman) Kirk. His parents survive. He married the love of his life, Sarah Beth Hortenstine, on August 11, 1978 in Mattoon. She also survives. Other survivors include their children, Bethany Kirk, age 20, twins - Baylee and Bostyn Kirk, age 18, and Brennyn Kirk, age 12, all at home; a sister, Shelley Zuhone and husband Dan of Mattoon; his father and mother-in-law, Jake and Virginia Hortenstine of Gays; two brothers-in-law, Jeff Hortenstine and wife Dorothy of Cooks Mills, and Henry Hortenstine of Gays; a sister-in-law, Salisa Olmsted and husband Tom of Gays; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Mr. Kirk was a member, Chairman of the Board, and Deacon of the Central Community Church. He was currently employed by Fritts Fertilizer Company and a former co-owner of R.B. Kirk & Sons. Mike was a graduate and former football player from Mattoon High School and an avid Fighting Illini Fan. He had an excellent reputation for his woodworking and construction skills, building everything from toys and cabinets to homes. His treasured pastime was boating every Sunday with his family and friends. If one thing was certain in Mike's life it was that he could be found every Saturday morning at Gill's Drive Inn having coffee with his dad. For Mike, he will always be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, son, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law, nephew and uncle. He graciously touched the lives of those who knew him with his compassion, love, and loyal friendship and he will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Memorials may be made to Sarah Beth Kirk in care of Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. To light a virtual candle or share a memory with the family, please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com.