Von Ray Van Kirk, 74, of High Ridge died Jan. 17, 2022, at his home. Mr. Kirk was retired and was a U.S. Army veteran who served at Fort Riley in Kansas. He was a Baptist and a member of the Elks Lodge and enjoyed crochet, going to yard sales, painting yard ornaments and playing bingo. Born Sept. 16, 1947, in Poplar Bluff, he was the son of the late Agnes and Cilbert Lee Van Kirk.
He is survived by his partner since 2017: Gloria Taylor of High Ridge; two children: Jeffrey Ray (Tammy) Van Kirk of Albuquerque, Texas, and Glenda Rae Reed of Manhattan, Kan.; three siblings: Wanda Murray and Don Van Kirk of Poplar Bluff and Brenda Ward of High Ridge; five grandchildren: Linda Jeanne and Nicole Amber Van Kirk and Brandon Ray, Zakyie Rae and Noah Ray Reed; and his former wives: Patricia Sue Randal Van Kirk, whom he married on June 12, 1970; and Sherry Rae Smith Boyet Van Kirk. He was preceded in death by a daughter: Linda Sue Van Kirk; and a brother: Glen Van Kirk
Mr. Van Kirk donated his body to science. A memorial service will be held at a later date.