Michael Thomas Kirk

Michael Thomas Kirk, Sr., Lt. Col, USAF (Ret.) entered into paradise on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. He was 75 years old.

Born to the late Harry Thomas “Sonny” and Dorothy Jean “Dot” Baker Kirk, Mike was born in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. Mike grew up in Linden, Tennessee, in the McDonald Funeral Home, where Sonny was the funeral director. Mike was a graduate from Perry County High School, where he was the Valedictorian of his 1965 graduating class. He was an athlete, competing in both basketball and baseball at PCHS in Linden.

With an intelligent mind, he earned an Associate degree from Freed-Hardeman College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, two master’s degrees in Psychology and Computer Resource Management, and completed numerous commercial certifications.

Dedicated to his country, Mike served in the United States Air Force as a Navigator on the F-4 Phantoms. After nearly 23 years of service, he retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Following the military, Mike became a Senior Security Engineer for Credence.

A comedian at heart, Mike was humorous and a joy to be around. He was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ and served as an Elder and a Song Leader. Mike truly had a lovely voice! A wonderful “Big Papa,” he gave the best heartfelt hugs. His family will miss his hugs and said, “We LuLoo Dad!”

His memory will be forever cherished by his wife of 53 years, Miriam Jane Duncan Kirk of Georgia; children, Michael Thomas “Tommy” Kirk Jr. (Kristi) of Alabama and Amanda Jane “Mandy” Holloway (Jerrad) of Georgia; grandchildren, Duncan Thomas Kirk Holloway and Cana Jane Holloway; siblings, Anthony Wayne “Tony” Kirk (Debbie) of Tennessee; Karen Kirk Fozard (Gregg) of Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

A service, with military honors, will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at the Fairview Heights Church of Christ, 9955 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights, IL 62208. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. with the Celebration of Life beginning at 2:00 p.m.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the Kirk Scholarship at Freed-Hardeman University, 158 East Main Street, Henderson, TN 38340. Please note on checks that it’s for the Kirk Scholarship. Donations can also be made online at – with the same note:

https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/21170/donations/new

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.