Rev. Kirk

Rev. Bertrum R. Kirk, 97, died Sunday, April 11, 2010 at Glenwood Healthcare in Seymour, Missouri. He was born to James P. and Elizabeth Russell Kirk on a homestead in Eastern New Mexico on September 19, 1912. His familys ranch was also the location of the local church, school, and the only water well for miles. Converting the wild was hard and dangerous, but it made a people who were survivors in spite of the odds.

He maintained a career in cattle ranching and could ride and rope with the best. Characteristic of the pioneers he had many skills such as welding, surveying, preaching, singing, investing in real estate and stocks, inventing and playing several musical instruments. It is said by those who knew him best during his prime, that he was also an excellent mathematician, veterinarian, and engineer.

After marrying Mary Ellen Hawkins and having two children, he moved to the Rocky Mountains in southern Colorado and continued ranching and investing in real estate. Wanting to be in a place that had more rain, he purchased land on the Finley River and Highway 60 where he ranched for the remainder of his life as well as preached.

He is survived by two children, Delna Jane Smith and husband Bill of Fordland, Missouri, and James Shrader Kirk and wife Janice of Florissant, Missouri four grandchildren, Marilyn Kirk, James Kirk, Mike Kirk, and Sean Smith four greatgrandchildren, Taysha Harteley, Daniel Kirk, Garrett Smith, and Ellie Smith greatgreatgrandson, Connor Harteley as well as a host of other relatives and many dear friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, one brother, and seven sisters, his wife, two children and one grandchild.

He made his confession of faith of Christ in 1949 and has been very involved in carrying out the great commission given by Jesus to take the gospel to the world Mark 16:1518.

Bert was a loving father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his long life and honor his many wonderful accomplishments, and will treasure the many memories he has created for his family and many dear friends.

A graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 24 at Melrose Cemetery in Melrose, New Mexico with Rev. Lemuel Perry officiating.

Service