Kenneth Kirby

Kenneth Lee (Ken) Kirby, 79 of 334 Saunders Road Bluefield, WV went home to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday May 21, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family.  He was born on June 29, 1940 to the late Walter L. and Gladys Dillon Kirby in Freeman, WV.

Ken attended Bramwell High School Class of 1959.  He was a member of Bramwell Presbyterian Church where he served in many capacities including Deacon and Elder as well as a choir member.  For the past few years, he was a faithful member of Deliverance Temple Church where he played the guitar in the band.  He was definitely a talented musician and vocalist.

A self-taught musician, Ken played on WOAY and WHIS TV in his early years and was the founder of the Collegians Band.  He then played with the Kirby Family Gospel Group for 25 years and also played the guitar for the Hughes Family Gospel Group.

Ken’s employment years was spent with Eastern Associated Coal, Peabody Coal and Patriot Coal as a Mine Safety Trainer.  He retired from the coal industry but then worked as an EMT with Bluefield WV Rescue Squad where he served on the Board of Directors.  In 2006, he retired from BWVRS and started volunteering at the local nursing home where he blessed many residents with his beautiful singing.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers Larry and Dennis Kirby.

Left to cherish his memory and love of his life for 59 years wife, Betty Shrewsbury Kirby, one daughter Kendra Kirby Murphy, husband Rick, two grandchildren Kara E. Murphy, and Kyler L. Murphy of Bluefield, VA.

Two sisters Connie Poore and Donna (Sis) Lusk (David) and four brothers Tom Kirby (Marie), Freddy Kirby (Brenda), Randall Kirby (Sharon) and David Kirby (Margaret), Brother in Law Robert Shrewsbury and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at Deliverance Temple Church with Pastor David Kirby officiating.  Friends may call from 11:00 am until the time of service at the church.  Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Pallbearers Jim Kade, Eric Poe, Kyle Croye, Ronnie Hodge, Donnie Goins, and Kim Murphy.  Honorary Pallbearers Sam Cassidy, Roger Goins, and Butch Carosi.

Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is serving the family and online condolences are accepted at www.cravens-shires.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bramwell Presbyterian Church PO Box 97 Bramwell, WV 24715  and Deliverance Temple Church 1998 Coal Heritage Road Bluefield, WV 24701