Robert And Della Kirby

Della Doris Kirby, 82, and Robert Kirby Sr., 88, passed away peacefully and the only way they knew how, together.

They are survived by their daughter, Karen Berthiaume (Ben) of Smiths Station, AL., son Robert Kirby, Jr. (Betty Jean) of Columbus, GA., 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Della was born July 14, 1938 in Crockett, VA to the late Raymond W. and Lena Williams Howk.  She grew up with many brothers and sisters and is survived by her siblings, Phyllis Young; Frances Mullens; Cheryl Griffin (Barry); Wayne Howk (Gay); and Kenny Howk (Ruth), all of Mechanicsville, VA.

Robert was born October 26, 1932 in West Columbia, SC to the late Sydney A. Kirby and Ruby Bates Redmond.

Robert and Della were happily married for 65 years.  During their marriage, they lived in Germany, while Mr. Kirby served in the Army.  They settled in Columbus, GA and raised their children and were devoted to taking care of their family.  Della loved to cook and pass down family traditions, which will continue to be shared for generations.  Robert loved teaching his grandchildren how to fish and enjoyed working in his workshop as a skilled craftsman.  He was always the man that could fix any and everything.  They will both be deeply missed.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, February 8, 2021 in the Chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory with Re. Aaron Welch officiating.  The family will receive friends 10:00-11:00 AM Monday at the funeral home, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.  A private interment will be held at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery.  In keep with the efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, facemasks and social distancing will be required during the service and visitation.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Parkinson’s Foundation at 8830 Cameron St. #201, Silver Spring, MD 20910; Shriners Hospital at 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607; or St. Jude at 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105.