Ronald Allen Kirby

Ronald Allen Kirby

Ronald Allen Kirby was born October 10, 1946 at Fort Knox, Kentucky to Louis Ellis Kirby and Nellie Eleanor nee Casto Kirby.  Ronald is survived by three brothers: Richard of Elizabethtown, Kentucky; John of Lyman, Maine and James of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Ronald lived most of his early life at Fort Knox.  He graduated from Vine Grove High School, Vine Grove, Kentucky in 1964.  He participated in the school marching band, playing the saxophone.

Ronald enlisted in the US Air Force in April of 1965 during the Vietnam War.  He served 20 years, retiring in 1985.  He trained and worked as an Instrumentation Technician and Instrumentation Instructor.  One assignment was to Hawaii where he was a C-130 crew member for satellite recovery.  After retirement, Ronald continued to work in the Defense industry; also retiring from Martin Marietta and Northrup Grumman.

Ronald had various interests and hobbies during his lifetime.  He was a former Elbert County, Colorado Sheriff’s Posse member; an avid Gold Wing rider and belonged to GWRRA; a fisherman; a certified scuba diver; and a licensed ham radio operator, belonging to the Montrose Amateur Radio Club, and a member of the NRA.  He lived in Montrose for 16 years following his retirement.

Ronald was married to Marsha Ann Black in 1966.  They had two children.  Roberta Ann preceded Ronald in death.

Ronald is survived by his wife Marsha, daughter Michele West of Montrose, Colorado and three brothers.  Ronald loved his large extended family.

Ronald will be buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.  Arrangements are under the care of Crippin Funeral Home in Montrose, Colorado.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hope West Montrose, Colorado