Donald F. Kirk

Donald F. Kirk was born October 3, 1920 in Pottsville, PA and died Sunday, February 5, 2012 at the Hospice of Northwest Ohio. The son of a coal miner, Don was awarded a YMCA membership by a local judge in elementary school and that forged a lifelong interest in health and fitness. In high school, he became a Pennsylvania State Champion in gymnastics and that created an opportunity for him to attend Westchester State Teachers College. At West Chester, he met Dorothy Brennan, whom he married in 1946, after returning from WWII. They were married for 62 years until Dorothys death in 2008. Don was very proud of his service the U.S. Navy in WWII. After being commissioned as an Ensign by Gene Tunney, the World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, he chose amphibious landing craft and was assigned to the USS Tyrrell in the Pacific. The night before the Battle of Okinawa, the landing commander was injured. The Tyrrells commander ordered 24-year old Lt J.G. Donald Kirk to lead the command of the 24 landing craft carrying tanks and troops to the beach. During the assault and while he was on the beach, his ship was hit by a Kamikaze, but not sunk. Later in the war, he visited Nagasaki two weeks after the atomic bomb was dropped. After the war, Don and Dorothy moved to Toledo while he worked for Red Cross. Later, he joined Blue Cross and worked as an insurance salesman for 29 years. A lifelong Catholic, he was an active member of Christ the King, where he and Dorothy also sang in the choir. He volunteered at Red Cross and regularly attended American Legion meetings. He and Dorothy travelled extensively, including 25 Elder Hostels around the world. Always an adventurer, he rode a camel at the Egyptian Pyramids at 88 and visited the Holy Land at age 89. He is survived by his children, Donna D. Kirk of Toledo, Donald A. Kirk of Foster City, CA, and Daniel F. Kirk, of Kennesaw, Georgia, six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Visitation will be Friday from 6-8 pm in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave. west of Corey Rd. where American Legion memorial services will begin at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 in Christ the King Church, 4100 Harvest Lane. Military rites will immediately follow at the church. Please make a contribution to the charity of your choice.