Kenneth K. Kirby, Sr.

Kenneth K. Kirby Sr., 82, formerly of Union, died Aug. 16 at his home in Umatilla. A private family gathering will be held with burial to follow at the Enterprise Cemetery.

Kenneth was born Sept. 13, 1926, to Arthur and Bessie Jacobs Kirby in Oakland, Calif. Ken was raised and attended schools in Oakdale, Calif. After graduating high school he enlisted in the Navy, serving during WWII. Ken was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to California.

He worked as a heavy equipment operator for the Sacramento Highway Department until retiring in 1991.

Ken was married to Suzanne "Suzie" Folsom Sept. 17, 1978, in Reno. They retired to Oregon, living in Union from 2006 to 2008 and then moving to Umatilla where they have lived since. Ken was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed gardening and airplanes and piloted his own plane for several years.

He is survived by his wife, Suzie Kirby of Umatilla; daughter, Priscilla Ann O'Malley of Enterprise; son, Ken Kirby Jr. of Perrydale; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Linna Meyer; and brother, Donald Kirby.

Memorial contributions may be made to the local VFW Post.

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