Hal Reese Kirk

Hal Reese Kirk
Hal Reese Kirk, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2025, in Plano, TX, at the age of 86. Born on November 27, 1938, in Fillmore, Illinois, to Hal Curtis Kirk and Wilda Marie Kirk, Hal was the eldest of five children.
Hal is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Joyce Marie Kirk. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, and service. He is also survived by their children: daughter Rachelle Crawford and husband John, and their children Jack, Claire, and Jace; son Brent Kirk and wife Mindy, and their children Allison, Kelley Regier and husband Doug, Abbey MacDougal and husband Britton, Zachary Holcomb and wife Jordyn and their son Baker and daughter Miller, Alex, and Avery.
Hal is also survived by his siblings: Dana Hoffman, Mary Herren and husband David, Debbie Hanabarger and husband Denny, and Myron Kirk and wife Patti, along with a host of nieces and nephews, all of whom he cherished and enjoyed visiting.
A gifted athlete, Hal played football and basketball at Nokomis High School, where he started on varsity basketball beginning his sophomore year and was honored as Mr. NHS. His love of sports, particularly basketball, continued throughout his life. It is believed he still holds the record for most free throws made in a game at Nokomis High.
Hal began college at Bradley University but took a brief detour after spending more time on the basketball court than in the classroom. True to his determined nature, he returned to conquer his academic challenges and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering.
Over the years, Hal held a variety of jobs that reflected his industrious spirit-from working in a ski shop to driving bulldozers at Caterpillar's proving grounds (where he once fell asleep behind the controls – one of many times the Lord was watching over him). He served in the Marine Reserves and worked for the State of Illinois Highway Department before beginning a long and successful career at GTE (later Verizon). His career took him from Normal, IL, to San Angelo, TX, and finally to Carrollton, TX, where he served as Manager of Land and Buildings until his retirement in 2000.
Throughout his life, Hal was a man of deep faith and unwavering service. He and Joyce helped plant College Avenue Baptist Church in Normal, IL, where he served as a deacon, occasionally filled in as a preacher, and led Bible studies. While at First Baptist Church Carrollton, Hal continued his ministry through teaching, serving as a deacon, delivering meals on wheels, and lending a hand to widows and others in need. Later at Stonebrier Community Church, he and Joyce found joy in serving both their local community and people across the world.
In retirement, Hal's greatest joy came from supporting his grandchildren. Whether it was basketball, tennis, volleyball, soccer, track, band, children's choir, piano recital, ballet performance, cheer, or school play, Hal was a faithful and loving presence. Though quiet in demeanor, his support was always known and felt. One teammate affectionately dubbed him part of the "posse" – a testament to his ever-present encouragement.
Hal Kirk lived a full and faithful life, marked by love, humor, humility, and service. His legacy continues through the many lives he touched with his gentle strength and quiet conviction.
Memorials may be sent to :
Dallas Scottish Rite for Children
2222 Welborn St.
Dallas, Texas 75219