Ellis Leon Kirby

Ellis "Leon" Kirby passed away Monday, May 19, 2025 in Odessa, Texas. Born on Wednesday, January 13, 1943 in Jonesboro, Arkansas to the late Delores and JL Kirby.
Leon was a fair man who valued honesty and hard work. He took pride in working hard for every dollar he earned. Leon was very generous with what he called God's income. He and his beloved wife Ann Kirby, helped numerous people and organizations with their generosity. He was truly a man after God's own heart with a deep respect for women, shaped by being eldest among six sisters and raised by a God-fearing Mother. His sense of humor was legendary with numerous friends. Anyone he liked, he would tease with affection. He alongside Ann and Debby joined membership with Pathway Baptist and he became a Deacon and served faithfully under Pastor Scoggins and others. His passions were God, guns, motorcycles animals and cooking. He would joke about growing older and made aging look joyful. Through faith and perseverance, his life inspired others with his faith. Leon as a husband and father and friend would want us to celebrate his full life and his passing to go home to his LORD. May his memory comfort all who knew him.
Those left to cherish Leon's loving memory are his children Jeni Criswell, Debby Chipman, and Tamera Ingram; his grandchildren Valorie Englert, Jessica Criswell, Shay Green, Natasha Stewart, Elliott Dearman, John Searcy, Ryan Searcy, Christopher Searcy, Holly Seals, and Amber Montgomery; his nine great-grandchildren; as well as his sisters Ginger Bissey, Deny Kirby, Mary Allen, Barbara Heard, and Naomi Collins.
Leon is preceded in death by his parents Delores and JL Kirby; his beloved wife Betty Ann Kirby; as well as his sister Kathy Britton Cary Searcy, Daniel Searcy,
Services will be held 12pm, on June 14, 2025 at Pathway Baptist Church (1601 W. University Blvd., Odessa, TX 79764).
Arrangements are entrusted to Acres West Funeral Chapel and condolences may be sent online to the family at acreswestfuneral.com.