Robert Darrell Kirkman

Robert Darrell Kirkman, 81, of Marissa, IL, born March 13, 1942, in Marissa, IL, passed away on Thursday September 21, 2023, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Mr. Kirkman was a member of the Marissa Fire Dept. for 35 years retiring as Fire Chief in 2005. He honorably served his country from 1960 – 1964 in the US Navy as a Seabee.
He was preceded in death by his parents – Thomas and Dorothy (Erbe) Kirkman and daughter-in-law – Janice.
Darrell, as he was known, is survived by his loving wife – the former Lela Gladson, whom he married on June 26, 1965, at the United Methodist Church in Marissa, IL, his 2 children – Robert D. "Bob" Kirkman, Jr of Ballwin, MO, and Leah (Troy) Tuten of Marissa, IL, 9 grandchildren – Bradley (Kelsey) Kirkman, Meagan Kirkman, Cody (Julian) Mahan, Gena Mahan, Cory (Haylee) Mahan, Samantha (David) Dahle, Melissa (Emanuele) Passanisi, Tyler Tuten and Savannah Tuten. He is also survived by 16 gr. grandchildren and 1 sister – Vickie (Gerald) Davis of Tilden, IL.
Memorials may be made to the Marissa Fire Department.
Visitation: 5 – 8 p.m. on Monday September 25, 2023, and from 10 – 11 a.m. on Tuesday September 26, 2023, at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL. A Marissa Fire Dept. walk-thru will be held at 6 p.m. Monday evening.
Funeral: Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday September 26, 2023, at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL. Interment will follow at Marissa TWP Cemetery in Marissa, IL
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL.