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Darrell Kirk Obituary
February 3, 1939 - July 30, 2023
Darrell G. Kirk Sr. (his friends called him "Roadkill") age 84, of Valparaiso, IN, was born February 3, 1939 and passed away July 30, 2023. Beloved husband of the late Mary L. Kirk. Loving father of Darrell (Beth Devereaux) Kirk Jr., the late Ronald Kirk, Susan (Pete) Dres, Dawn Stover, Kim (Steve) Corley, Debbie (Dave) DePoister, Garnett (Jennifer) Kirk, Emma (Tim) Kopec, and James (Angie) Kirk. Beloved grandfather of Courtney Stover, Brittany Corley, Timothy Kopec, Pete Dres II, Lindsay Corley, Alexis Dres, Jasmine Wright, Hugh Kirk, Elizabeth Hiland, Brandon Hiland, and the late infant Elizabeth Kirk. Siblings: twin brother the late Harold (Annaliese) Kirk, late Blanche (late Joe) Taylor, late Benny (Pam) Ross, Randy (Melanie) Ross, Judy (David) Smith, late Rose (Ted) Stone, Frank (Brenda) Kirk, and Kay Crockett. Kind uncle of many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Mary Louise and Garnett Ross and his biological father Everett Kirk.
Visitation Monday, August 7, 2023 from 3:00 – 8:00 P.M. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30/Pleasant Springs Ln.) Dyer, IN. Funeral Service, Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home. A funeral procession will follow immediately to the final resting place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery - Elwood, IL.
Darrell was a United States Army Veteran, a nearly 50 year employee of the Ford Stamping Plant in Chicago Heights, IL, as well as a UAW union committeeman. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, gardening, turkey shoots and he wouldn't miss watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Shriners Children's Chicago or Region 4 UAW Veterans Fund.
For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com
Memories and Condolences
for Darrell Kirk
Crystal Daniels
December 16, 2023
My deepest condolences to the Kirk family. Mr. Kirk, your legacy is your family and I feel like I know a piece of you by knowing your son.
Cindy Wishart
August 11, 2023
Our deepest sympathy to your whole family. May the memories of times shared as a family bring you comfort and a smile in the days ahead.
Darrell Kirk Jr.
August 11, 2023
Dad, thank you for a lifetime of stories, jokes, roadkill, hunting and fishing, and most of all, love for West Virginia and our family there.
Wherever we lived, we were "Urban Hillbillies" -- Your stories of growing up in West Virginia, the things you cooked, the stories you told, and our frequent visits there to see cousins and climb the mountains were unforgettable. Throughout the house it was common to see Raccoon cooking on the stove, Elderberry wine fermenting in a carboy, and visits to the woods to hunt for morel mushrooms, blackberries, and sassafras (to make root beer. Your Blackberry cobbler, using “Bisquick” was incredible and was the best part of care packages you sent with me when I returned home—I always ate it on the plane going back!
From an early age I went with you to “Turkey Shoots” and marveled at your great shooting skills and love of rifles and shotguns. This love was shared with all the brothers and sisters and it was so incredible spending time with you and our family at the Turkey Shoots in Portage at the VFW. Bear hunting with you in West Virginia was memorable and a great time to spend time together with Grandma Ross, or take day trips throughout West Virginia. Our trip to Philippi, West Virginia to visit the last battle of the Civil War in WV was incredible and I enjoyed your love of history and all the people we met along the way that day. I’ll never forget that 410 shotgun pistol I made from a KMart shotgun you bought—it nearly took off your hand with the recoil, but you were so proud of my handiwork making that gun.
Our last twenty five years of visits to West Virginia were the best days of my life and so glad you gave us this everlasting love of this place, the people, and our family and friends there. My own son has this same love for West Virginia and his cousins there. Love you so much and look forward to seeing you again when I too return home.
William Jukich
August 9, 2023
Darrell,
Thanks for your service to our Country & U.S. Army. May you rest in peace Brother. Army Strong!
Maj. Wiliam Jukich
United States Marine Corps (Retired).
Harrier Attack Pilot from Northwest Indiana.
Semper Fi
How you can show support
Patricia (Sissy) Kirk Stevens Happel
August 8, 2023
Rest easy Uncle Darrell. I'll never forget the time you took us all to the drive-in. ❤
Pam Lengyel
August 8, 2023
My dear sweet uncle Darrell, it is so sad to see you leave us so soon but you are in a better place reunited with you wife and many close family members. I love you so much and you will be missed dearly. Your memory will always be kept alive. I remember all the stories and jokes that you and my dad would tell and have all of us laughing so hard. You left a legacy down here for your kids and relatives. RIP Uncle Darrell until we meet again.
Ronda Matykiewicz
August 7, 2023
He was the best.. I'm sorry for your loss
Randy Gumkowski
August 3, 2023
To the family and friends, so sorry for your loss.
Rest Easy Hero.
Randy Gumkowski (INPGR)
pete dres
August 3, 2023
Darrel, I will miss the dinner table talk, Russia news, all the stuff about the world and your take on things.
I wish i could tell you how much we will miss you. We will keep the catfish you caught in our lake and when we catch it we will always remember that day. Everyday you made us laugh and told us what was going on in the world and turned on our lights outside and made sure you told us when someone came by. The big house never seamed empty we knew you were there. 33 Years of being my father in law it was my privilege to have you.
love you always Pete
Stephen Naughton
August 2, 2023
Thanks for all you did for us at Ford.
Christy White (Duncan)
August 1, 2023
RIP in peace. Miss all the good old days I shared with you and the family. You all were more then neighbors you were family ❤
Jennifer Holmquist
August 1, 2023
Darrel you will be missed!!
Dave Hiestand
August 1, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Carol Kirk Holz
August 1, 2023
My wonderful sweet and precious Uncle Darrell who I love so very much. I'm really gonna miss you and our conversations we had alot you kept your promise to me and called me every other day or so and gave me encouraging words and advice. I have so many fond memories since I was little of trips to Hawks Nest and all kinds of adventures we all had. I love and miss you so very very much. R.I.P my sweet Uncle your forever in my heart.
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Memorial Events
for Darrell Kirk
Aug
7
Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Smits Funeral Home, Ltd. - Dyer2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN 46311
Funeral services provided by:
Smits Funeral Home, Ltd. - Dyer2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN 46311
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Munster, IN
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