Robert Wolford Kirkeeide

Robert "Bob" Wolford Kirkeeide, born on August 12, 1942, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025, at the age of 83 in The Woodlands, Texas.

Bob lived a life devoted to faith, family, and service. He began his professional career in the hospitality industry, working with Marriott Hotels in Chicago, Atlanta, New Orleans, and at the historic Hershey Hotel in Pennsylvania. Even in those early years, he was recognized for his professionalism, sharp sense of style, and natural ability to connect with people.

In his mid-thirties, Bob transitioned into full-time ministry, beginning with work in residential programs that cared for those battling addiction and their families. He served with Teen Challenge and New Life for Girls, and later became program director at New Life for Children, a home for children whose parents were undergoing rehabilitation. There, he with his family lived on-site, ran the facility, coordinated staff, and oversaw volunteers, ensuring children experienced love, stability, and hope during a difficult season. This work reflected Bob's deep compassion and became a natural bridge into the international missions that would define the rest of his life.

Bob and his family's first overseas assignment was in Haiti, where Bob played an instrumental role in restoring an old hotel property and turning it into a missionary care and retreat center - a haven for missionaries in need of rest and renewal. Their ministry then took them to Zimbabwe, where Bob taught at Bible schools, led marriage retreats, spoke in churches, and was instrumental in bringing Christian programming to the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation. He also founded the 700 Club Counseling Center in Harare, which became a vital place of discipleship and support for the community.

From there, Bob and Linda served in England and Eastern Europe, where he preached in churches, mentored ministries, and developed emerging pastors. Later, they made their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where they worked with Mission Training International (MTI.) For nearly two decades, they facilitated and led missionaries through the Debriefing and Renewal Program, faithfully guiding thousands of missionaries through seasons of transition. With warmth and wisdom, they created safe spaces where participants could be restored and strengthened for the work ahead. In recent years, Bob continued mentoring, teaching, and encouraging others from his home in The Woodlands, Texas.

Those who knew Bob remember not only the breadth of his ministry but the warmth of his presence. He was a husband, father, grandfather, missionary, pastor, teacher, businessman and mentor. He was known for his sharp appearance - always dressing well and carrying himself with dignity - but even more so for his sense of humor, enjoyment of F1 Racing, kindness, attentiveness to others, and his deep, unwavering love for God and his family.

Bob was the son of Arthur W. Kirkeeide and Evelyn Wolford Pearson, both of whom preceded him in death, along with his sister, Ann Moffitt. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Kirkeeide; his daughters, Kimberly Kirkeeide Coronel and Leigh Ann Kirkeeide; his grandsons, Ethan Kirkeeide Coronel and Drew Coronel; his nephews, Kirk Moffitt and David Wolford Moffitt; and his niece, Sarah Pike.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 24th, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Klein Memorial Park – Magnolia-The Woodlands, 14711 FM 1488, Magnolia, Texas 77354.

Bob's legacy is one of discipleship, encouragement, and deep faith. His influence stretched across continents and generations, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. The family wishes to thank all who have supported Bob and Linda throughout their years of ministry and in these recent months. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Exalting Him Ministries.