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Kirby Martin Obituary
KIRBY B. MARTIN JR., 80, of Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2025, at home.
Kirby was born in Charleston, WV, growing up on the East End. He graduated from Charleston High School, Class of 1962, and from Marshall University's School of Engineering. His first job was with B.F. Goodrich Company in Akron, OH, where he received a patent for designing a logging tire. He returned to Charleston as a partner of Arrow Rug Company. In 1981, he began his career in the coal industry as Vice-President of Carbon Fuel Sales Company. After 10 years, he continued with Scan Technologies, Highlands Coal Sales, and retired from Pace Carbon Fuel. His love of the coal industry showed through his service in many industry organizations: President of Southern Coals Conference, President of Peters Creek Coal Association and President of ACI. He also served as a member of the Edgewood Country Club Board of Directors and as the Golf Committee Chairman.
Kirby was a proud member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and loved his Marshall Thundering Herd teams. He avidly followed his Cincinnati Reds and enjoyed traveling to many stadiums across the U.S.A. to watch them.
Kirby and Nancy visited all 50 states and many national parks, as well as cruising much of the world. Kirby was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Charleston.
Kirby is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Nancy; his son, Jim (Rita); his sister, Mary Ellen Phillips (John); several nieces, and many dear friends.
Memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, 16 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston, WV, with Rev. Dr. Bill Myers officiating.
Visitation will begin one hour prior in the church sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to First Presbyterian Church, 16 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston, WV 25301 or HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha Blvd. W., Charleston, WV 25387.
Condolences may be sent to Kirby's family at www.barlowbonsall.com.
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kirby Martin
Sponsored by Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Home & Crematorium.
6 Entries
BEV OSBORNE
July 4, 2025
NANCY, I JUST HEARD OF KIRBY'S PASSING. I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW SORRY I AM. HE WAS SUCH A SWEETHEART AND YOU ALL ARE A WONDERFUL COUPLE. PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY.
Sam and Carole Ardison
February 8, 2025
Nancy we are so sorry to learn of Kirby´s passing. We so looked forward to seeing the two of you and the West Virginia group in Florida each year! Sincerest condolences and prayers to you and your family!
Willis Trammell MD
February 5, 2025
Enjoyed knowing Kirby as a friend. Particularly appreciated Kirby and Nancy visiting Betsy and I in Louisiana. My condolences to the family.
Rose Jordan
February 4, 2025
Our Hairways Family are deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Kirby love Rose
Ted Patterson
February 4, 2025
Nancy, Jim and entire Martin family. I am so sorry to hear about Kirby's passing. What a fantastic person and I was happy to call him a friend. I worked at Duke Energy and Kirby called on us for many years. He was always the gentleman and so knowledgeable of the coal and utility industry. One thing I loved about Kirby was playing golf with him, he was quite the golfer. He always made golf fun and was a competitor but we always had a great time together. I just enjoyed speaking with him and just being around him. I know he will be missed so much by many peopler but I know that he is in a better place. May peace be with the family through this sad time but be happy that we all got to know Kirby.
Lynn Gunnoe
February 2, 2025
Nancy, I´m so very sorry to hear of Kirby´s passing. Prayers for you and yours.
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