Walter Leroy Kirby was born to the union of Walter Kirby and Grace Dennis Kirby in Kansas City, MO on January 1, 1939. He attended Booker T. Washington elementary school and graduated from Manual High School class of 1957.

Walter accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by Dr. John W. Williams at St. Stephen Baptist Church. Walter participated in many organizations in the church growing up including playing drums in the Drum and Bugle Corp. Also, later after moving to Oakland, CA Walter united with The Love Center Church under Bishop Walter Hawkins.

Walter started his work career as a firefighter on the Kansas City, MO fire department where he served for 10 years. After relocating his family to California, he became a truck driver for Columbo Bread Company where he retired from.

Walter met and married Barbara Walker and this union produced 2 children. Bonnie Denise and Walter Andrew. After retirement Walter moved back to Kansas City to be closer to his mother and the rest of his family.

Walter is preceded in death by both parents, his sister Billie Jo Reynolds, brother Marlon Kirby. Grandparents, Walter and Louvenia Kirby and Leroy and Jennie Dennis, and 8 uncles.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Bonnie Denise (Jack) Mercer, Baltimore, MD, son Walter Andrew (Naydeen) Kirby, Clarksville, TN, 2 sisters, Sharon Kirby, Cleveland, OH, Patricia (David) Simpson, Kansas City, MO. 4 granddaughters, Brittany, Berkeley, CA, Alayah, Greenview, CA, Brianna , Clarksville, TN, Jaimie, Clarksville, TN, 2 grandsons, Walter, San Leandro, CA, Jacob, Baltimore, MD, 2 great grandsons Amari, Greenview, CA, and Joseph, Clarksville, TN. A Special great Nephew Teon (TJ) Woods, Kansas City, MO and a special brother Robert (Carolyn) Wiggins, Kansas City, MO and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Memorial service Saturday, January 25, 2020 2:00 p.m. at Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.