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Rene Kirk Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 10, 2025.

Rene Howard Kirk, 78, passed away on March 7, 2025, in Houston, Texas.

Born on July 5, 1946, in Amarillo, Texas, Rene lived a life marked by kindness, humor, and optimism. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War as an EM3 mechanic aboard the USS Enterprise from 1965 to 1968, demonstrating dedication and courage.

Rene and his first wife, Teddie, owned and operated several full service gas stations/repair garages in the 1980's and 90's in Amarillo.

Rene worked security at Northwest Texas Hospital before moving to Colorado Springs, where he became a mortgage loan officer. Upon returning to Amarillo, he continued working in real estate until his retirement in 2022.

In early 2024, he relocated to Houston.

Rene was preceded in death by his second wife, Kathy Kirk; his parents, Ralph and Yvette Kirk; his brothers, Terry Lynn Kirk and Dennis Kirk; his son, J.J. Kirk; his granddaughter, Melanie Kirk; and his great-grandson, Graysen Kirk.

He is lovingly remembered by Michelle Collins and her partner Brian Larson of Colorado Springs, CO; Judy Kirk of Amarillo, TX; Monroe Kirk of Lubbock, TX; Susan Kirk of Amarillo, TX; Brian and Tracie Kirk of Texas City, TX; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; his brothers Mark Kirk and Norman Kirk and wife Denise; his sister Vickie Christian and husband Fred; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Rene never met a stranger-he always had a smile for everyone and would readily stop to help anyone in need. When asked how he was doing, his answer was always, "I'm blessed." His warmth and generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Fulfilling his wishes, Rene's body was donated to science, and his ashes will be scattered at sea. A Celebration of Life with Military Honors will be held in Amarillo at a later date to honor his legacy.

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Recent Activity

March 12, 2025

Joy Avila posted to the memorial.

March 11, 2025

Brandi and Ryan Welch posted to the memorial.

March 11, 2025

Lillian Ofert posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Joy Avila

March 12, 2025

I am deeply sorry to hear about this great loss! We were neighbors with Mr. Rene and Mrs. Kathy in Colorado. I remember meeting them for the first time and our many talks, even when he came over for my oldest little girl´s third birthday. They were both the sweetest, very loving and kind. Mr. Rene will surely be missed by us and all who loved him. We send our deepest condolences and prayers

Brandi and Ryan Welch

March 11, 2025

I only was able to meet Rene once in person and he had just had a Stent put in his heart I believe when he came to DFW. We saw him a day or two later and he was such a ray of sunshine. He gave us his business card because he was a realtor at the time and I just remember he was so happy and talkative (I knew where Judy got it from but in a good way) and he just seemed positive. I did not meet him for long but when he left I thought, he was so nice and pleasant. I was blessed to have met him in person. We love the Kirk family and he will be missed!

Lillian Ofert

March 11, 2025

I was blessed enough to see Uncle Rene in December 2022. He was in good spirits and it was so nice to see him again. He loved taking a picture together other photos are from Colorado 2017 at Scott and Toni´s wedding

Mary Provence

March 11, 2025

I have so many memories so it's difficult to choose but I loved how he made me feel so welcomed at family functions. (His daughter, Michelle has been my bestfriend for 39 years.) He taught me how to check the oil and tires on my first car, he offered and gave fatherly advice from boys to men over the years, and he never stopped being kind to me and my family. I'll miss his sweet laughter and how he said my name with such warmth.