J.E. Washington Funeral Services, Inc. - Youngstown

Obituary For Mr. Robert Kirk

Youngstown A homegoing celebration in honor of Mr. William Robert Kirk will be held Friday May 1, 2020 at 10am at Union Baptist Church. Unfortunately the homegoing service is reserved for immediate family members and for those who have been given an invitation to attend. Mr. Kirk fondly called Robert or Kirk by family and friends transitioned from this earthly life on April 18, 2020 at his home in Youngstown, OH. Mr. William Robert Kirk, the oldest of three sons, was born to Council Sr. and Viola Ervin Kirk on June 28, 1935 in Coy, Alabama. Robert accepted Christ at an early age and joined St. Emanuel Baptist Church in Coy, Alabama where he attended until he relocated. After relocating to Youngstown, Ohio he joined The Cathedral of Hope Church formerly known as The Church of Hope under the leadership of his cousins, Pastor Robert Lockett and Reverend Willa Ervin Lockett. He was a trustee, sang in the Mass Choir, Senior Choir and Male Chorus in addition to driving the church bus. He later joined Union Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Michael Harrison where he remained faithful until death, serving as a deacon and singing in the male chorus. Robert graduated from Camden Academy High School in Camden, Alabama in 1956. He was very active in sports. He played basketball, football and ran track. He received a full scholarship to Knoxville College in Tennessee. After graduating from high school, he and his brother, Council Jr. spent the summer working in Kingston, NY. Robert later moved to Youngstown, Ohio where he was drafted and served in the Army and The National Guard. Robert was united in marriage to Delores Smith and to this union three children were born, Pamela, Yolanda and Eric Robert. Robert later united in marriage to Joyce Crenshaw and to this union two daughters were born, Tracey and Tanisha. After 50+ years of service, he retired from Ace Lumber Company, Youngstown, OH. Kirk was a very giving, fun loving man to family and friends. Always attending family functions including weddings, family reunions or just meeting up at a family member’s home to check on them. Robert always had a smile planted on his face and sometimes a mischievous look as if he was about to tell a joke. He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Pamela Kirk Snowden, Yolanda Kirk, Eric Robert Kirk all of Atlanta, Ga. Tanisha Kirk of Youngstown, Ohio; his brothers, Council Kirk Jr. of Columbus, Ohio; John (Bernice ) Kirk of Cincinnati, Ohio; his daughter-in-law, Michelle Kirk; his grandchildren, Bernard III, Tierra, Toyia, Kelvin, Kirk, Aniya, Tahlia, John III, and Mason; special cousins Minnie Erkard, Bonnie Little and Roosevelt Thompson; a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Council Sr. and Viola Kirk; his wife, Joyce C. Kirk and his daughter, Tracey Driskell.

Friends may call Thursday from 3-5pm at Washington Funeral Home in Youngstown, OH. The family of Mr. William Robert Kirk would like to thank you for your support during this time and will be providing live streaming of the homegoing services for those who wish to view via facebook.

Guest Book

My most sincere condolences and prayers to the family. May God embrace you all with His steadfast love, comfort, grace, peace and strength. We love you !

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Our condolences and prayers to the Kirk Family. The Hopkins family are here for you all. The Hopkins Family!

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To my family, Pamela, Yolanda, Eric and Tanisha, We are praying that you will find peace in the midst of this storm. I loved my cousin, Robert in life, death has not ended my love. May God bless us all.

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From the Ervin Family: We send words of hope, hugs of comfort, and fond memories of a special life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the Kirk Family. Love, Bonnie, John, Cleo, Willie, Lena & Evonne

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May God's Grace and Mercy continue to cover and be with you, just open up your heart and feel His presence..Much Love Cousin's Cynthia and Melvin Davis

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Truly a great man, Christian and family guardian. I can remember when I was young him always coming by to check on us, his family. He always made sure that the family bonds were tight and would forever remain that way. I Love and miss you and your smile cousin. Take your well deserved rest now. Signed, The Austin Family

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May God's Grace and Mercy cover you and your entire Family as you grieve for your beloved Father. May all the love, joy and laughter that you have shared with him him bring you peace and comfort today and everyday, Janice M.

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Sending loving thoughts and prayers to the Kirk family. The Jackson Family (Chef DJ, Charlene, CJ & Victoria)

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I'm sending love, prayers and sincere condolences to the Kirk family. RIH

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What a great man! Had a lot to do with my view of manhood with strength, character and work ethic abounding. His love of life, laughter and family was infectious and his lessons on all things sports was forever impactful! Thanks for the legacy! Blessings. Kelvin Thompson, Alpharetta, Ga.

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Prayers to the family for comfort and strength. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. I will miss seeing him in the men of valor choir. Evangelist Sharpe and family

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Praying for the family doing this difficult time. Cousin THOMASINA and the Ervin family.

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My condolences to the family may be R.I.P.his smile is forever shining

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My c25C7

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- J.E. Washington Funeral Services, Inc.