John D. Kirby, Jr.

John Donald Kirby, Jr., 77, of Maryville, Missouri, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025, at his home in Maryville with family at his side.

John was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 8, 1947. His parents were John Donald and Jean Marie (Kilfoyle) Kirby Sr. They preceded him in death.  He was also preceded by his brother, Timothy Kirby, and his sister, Barbara Kirby.  

He grew up in Parma and went to school there. He was a member of the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Parma, Ohio. He got his Bachelors of Science degree in Chemistry from Cleveland State University. He moved to the Maryville area in 1974, where he met the love of his life, Katherine Kling. They were married on September 11, 1976.

John was an engineer with Energizer. He retired from the Maryville, Missouri plant after 44 years of service.

John was a member and attended the St. Gregory’s Barbarigo Catholic Church, Maryville. He was a huge sports fan and played softball, racquetball, golf and he bowled. He enjoyed bird hunting; turkey, quail and pheasant. He was an avid Cleveland Indians/Guardians fan. He also enjoyed fantasy football.

He is survived by his wife, Katherine, of the home, daughters, Karen Kirby, Atlanta, Georgia, and Jennifer (Liza Saracina) Kirby, Bloomington, Indiana, his siblings, brother, Gary (Mary Lea) Kirby, Brunswick, Ohio, and sister, Joanne Hughes, Ellicott City, Maryland, and numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.

John has been cremated under the care of the Bram Funeral Home, Maryville, Missouri.

There will be a memorial service for John at the Bram Funeral Home on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Memorials are suggested to the New Nodaway Humane Society, 829 South Depot Street, Maryville, Missouri 64468.