Thomas John Kirker, Jr.

Thomas John Kirker, Jr., age 92, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025. He was born in Hammond, IN to Thomas John Kirker, Sr. and Mary Kirker. His early years were spent in Hammond and in the 1940's, the Kirker family moved to Los Angeles, CA.

Thomas joined the United States Marine Corps in 1950 at age 17. He served in the Korean War and fought in the historic Battle of Bunker Hill. Sergeant Kirker was assigned to MCRD San Diego as a Drill Instructor upon his return from Korea, and had 2 honor platoons at age 19. His distinguished service earned him the Purple Heart Medal with a Gold Star in lieu of a second Purple Heart, among numerous service medals.

After returning from Korea in 1952, Thomas was on leave and met Helen on New Year's Eve. They married in August 1953. After his discharge from the Marine Corps, he was employed by the Phone Company before joining the City of Anaheim in 1958, where he worked for 33 years, retiring as an Electrical Systems Design Supervisor. Thomas was nominated by the City of Anaheim Council to serve on the the Public Utilities Board and also volunteered with the City of Anaheim Police Department and Code Enforcement. During his tenure with the City of Anaheim, Thomas is credited for working on the electrical designs for the Anaheim Stadium, Anaheim Convention Center, Honda Center, and numerous projects.

Thomas was a passionate traveler, cruising the world with Helen, his wife of 71 years. An avid sports enthusiast, he played baseball and basketball as a teen, officiated high school and college baseball for 22 years, and enjoyed fishing, golfing, reading, and watching hockey.

He is survived by his wife Helen; children Michele, Julie, and John; nine of his eleven grandchildren: Jamie, Lindsay, Jessica, Lauren, Summer, Christa, Kaylee, Erik, and Lucas; seven great-grandchildren; and his sister Carol. He was preceded in death by his daughter Lynette, grandsons Ryan and Kevin, and his brother Michael.

Thomas's life was celebrated with military honors at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange, CA. His legacy of strength, resilience, and commitment to family will continue to inspire all who knew him. Semper Fi.

Donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.