Share: 

Bobby Allen Kirker, proud veteran

May 5, 2022

Bobby Allen Kirker, 94, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, May 4, 2022.  He was born July 1, 1927, in Leon, WVa., son of Joseph Edward and Dimmie Sue (Smith) Kirker, previously deceased.

Mr. Kirker served proudly in the U.S. Marines during the World War II era in the 22nd Brigade of the 6th Marine Division Expeditionary Force at Headquarters Division in Tsingtao, China.  He enjoyed Qingdao, formerly Tsingtao, sharing many stories from his many experiences during this time.  

When Bobby returned from the war, he joined Local Union 100 of International Painters and Allied Trades, where he worked for over 30 years.  Mr. Kirker enjoyed and created exquisite oil paintings in his spare time, as well as gardening, welding, and listening to country and Celtic music.

Above all, Bobby cherished the time he spent with his wife, Elizabeth Frances (Sibley), who preceded him in death in 2015.  Bobby was a loving and thoughtful husband.  They raised three children together, Julia Lee (Mitchell) of Long Neck, who preceded him in death.  He is survived by his son, Robert Allen Kirker and his wife Kimberly (Economos) of Leesport, Pa., and daughter, Jo Ann Kirker Economos and her husband Gregory Economos of Georgetown.  

Mr. Kirker was also preceded in death by his seven siblings, Immel Arlee “Hap” Kirker, James Edgar Kirker, Kenneth William Kirker, Joseph Kline Kirker, Mabel Wilma Rogers, Blanch Ruth Bowden and Dorothy Louise Tuck.

Mr. Kirker is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Andrew Kirker, Erin Kirker Czyz (Ben), Corrine Angeron (Calen), Kaitlin Monroe (Burr), Lucretia A. Economos, Carly Linden (David), Joan Jones, Margaret Economos, Justin Mitchell and Samantha Dulaney (Andrew). Bobby also had 15 great-grandchildren, and many treasured nieces and nephews.

A time of visitation for family and friends will begin at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 12, at Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown, with a funeral service beginning at noon.  Interment will follow at Epworth Methodist Cemetery,187 Henlopen Ave., Rehoboth Beach.

Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Service. 

Online condolences, or tributes are welcome for the family at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.

Subscribe to the CapeGazette.com Daily Newsletter