Submitted by: Dan Rich
Howard Renea Kirk
South Bend Tribune 8/6/2008
MISHAWAKA - Howard Renea Kirk, 79, loving husband, father
and grandfather of Marion Street in Mishawaka, passed away at
5:45 p.m. Monday, August 4, 2008, in Saint Joseph Regional
Medical Center surrounded by family. Howard was born on October
20, 1928, in Finger, TN, to the union of Lexie (Walker)
and Noner Kirk, who preceded him in death. On October 18, 1947,
in Corinth, MS, he was married to Betty C. Frye. They were
married for 56 years when Betty passed away in 2003. Dad took
wonderful care of mom at home while she struggled with
Alzheimer's and for that we are forever grateful. Now he will be
reunited with mom. Left to mourn the loss of our father is Gary
Kirk of Finger, TN, Gregory (Lani) Kirk of Elkhart, Sheila (Ben) Leal
of South Bend and Glenda (Bob) Goins of Mishawaka. Also
surviving are eight grandchildren, Laura Kirk, Mary Kirk, Greg
and Jamie Kirk, Amanda and Samantha Leal, Chad (Laura) Picking
and Emily Picking; and three step-grandchildren, Brenda (Tim) Marek,
Freddie (Stacie) Leal and John Brian Leal. Howard was the oldest
of four and is survived by his sisters, Shirley Crook of
Ypsilanti, MI, and Patricia (Jack) Elliott of Milan, MI.
His brother, Johnny Kirk, preceded him in death. Howard worked
for many years at Adams and Westlake in Elkhart. He also was an
insurance agent for Motorists Mutual for many years. For 20 years
he and Betty worked side by side in the business they owned in
Mishawaka, Unique Seating. Howard worked hard all his life and
did so up to the day he passed away. He loved buying and selling,
and loved going to yard sales and auctions. He still actively
worked alongside his daughter, Glenda, at their vintage shop,
Candy Apple Corner.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 7, 2008, in Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776
McKinley Highway, Osceola. Funeral services will be held at 10:00
a.m. Friday, August 8, 2008, in the funeral home, with Rev. David
Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial
Gardens, Osceola. Memorial donations may be made to the
Alzheimer's Association, 50 E 91st St., Suite 100, Indianapolis,
IN 46209.