John Winter Kirk

After a years-long battle with dementia and months-long aggressive prostate cancer, John Winter Kirk, Jr., also known as "Johnny Kirk", died at approximately 12:30 am, Sunday, September 21st, 2025 at the age of 85. John is survived by his son, John Winter Kirk III, also known as "Jack", his daughter, Susan Kirk Gaulke, and his Grandson, Hudson Winter Gaulke. The first child of Elizabeth Bissett Kirk, also known as "Babe" and John Winter Kirk (Sr.), also known as "Jack", John was born on October 22nd, 1939 at Hayswood Hospital in Maysville, was raised in his home town and, after graduating from Maysville High School in 1957, he attended the University of Kentucky, where he starred on the UK Golf team and graduated in 1961, later earning his MBA at Indiana University. John married the love of his life, Barbara Jane Browning on August 26th, 1961 and they remained together, very much in love and the best of friends, until Barbara's death from an incurable brain tumor on May 11th, 2018 at the age of 76. Johnny and Barb raised Jack and Susan , primarily in Maysville, until moving the family to Indianapolis in 1977, where he became National Sales Manager at Brulin and Co. After retirement in 2005, Johnny and Barb moved to Carmel, IN, where he lived until passing away quietly in his home with his loving son and long-time caretaker, Jack, at his side. Passionate about, and loyal to, his family, extended family, and countless friends, John was known as a deeply loving and caring man, positive and funny, and an excellent golfer, like his Father and Grandfather before him. His humility and genuine, natural charm will not soon be forgotten. A wonderful son, husband, and father, Johnny Kirk will be deeply missed by his entire family and countless friends, all of whom the Kirk family would like to sincerely thank for loving him. John's non-religious Celebration of Life will be private and by invitation only. The Kirk family prefers that well wishers give to the charity, Autism Speaks at autismspeaks.org, as opposed to sending flowers or other material items.