Charles C. Kirby

Charles Kirby, 92, died October 23, 2016, with his family by his side. He was born at home on July 11, 1924, in Kirbytown, New York to Fred Leslie Kirby and Sara Grace Crane. Charles graduated from Goshen HS and started college at Cornell University until he was drafted into the Army in World War II proudly serving as Military Police in the Panama Canal Zone. As a WWII Veteran, Charles was honored in April 2015, to participate in the Honor Flight to Washington DC. He was a proud patriotic American; displaying the flag each and every morning to start the new day the Lord had made! Charles married (Elizabeth) Betty Anna McCrea on September 21, 1947 and celebrated 65 years of marriage, until Betty's passing in 2013. Together, Charles and Betty, were lifelong farmers in Kirbytown. The love of farming encompassed dairy, beef, sheep, goats, chickens and even giant pumpkins. He always wanted to stay busy, so he worked evenings at the Milk Store in Middletown and as a bus driver for Minisink Valley Schools. Charles also became a Realtor and was on the Board of Realtors for MLS in which he truly enjoyed finding the special home, farm or lot for families to join the neighborhood. Charles was more than a 65 year member of the Ridgebury/Denton Presbyterian Church serving in many capacities as an Elder, Deacon and on the Scholarship Committee. Additionally, Charles was a trustee for the Old School Baptist Church in Slate Hill. He took great pride in caring for the building and the property. Charles served the Town of Wawayanda, with Betty, as the Town Historian and caretaker of the Pines Museum. He enjoyed the ability to help people connect with their heritage through genealogy. Charles was a founding member of the Land of the Lenapes Historical Society. He also served as an elected Assessor for the Town of Wawayanda. Charles was a man of God, a farmer, devoted husband, and dedicated to his many family and friends. Charles and Betty, enjoyed living together as an extended family with Fred, Patti and granddaughters Erin and Sara for over 40 years. Charles is survived by his son Fred and wife Patti at home; his daughter Bonnie and her husband Tom Martin of West Grove, Pennsylvania; his daughter in law, Gerri Kirby of Pine Bush, New York; his granddaughter, Erin and her husband Greg Eckert and great granddaughter Alexis of Endwell, NY; his granddaughter Sara and her husband Bill Rusk of Greentown, PA; his grandson, Aaron Martin and his wife, Katie, and great grandchildren Kyle, Rhiannon, lain, and Teagan of Mechanicsburg, PA; his grandson, David Martin and his wife, Kathie, and great grandchildren, Peter and Amber of Harrisburg, PA; his grandson, Michael Kirby and his wife, Laura and great granddaughter Katelyn of Pine Bush, NY;his grandson Daniel Kirby and his wife Chrystal of West Chester, PA; his brother Arland Kirby and his dear friend Marie Wickham of Kirbytown, NY,; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Betty; son, Bill Kirby; sister Doris Kirby Clark and her husband Mort Clark and sister in law Dorothy Kirby. The family extends special thanks for the loving care provided for Dad by Linda, Barbara, Stephanie and Courtney. Visitation will be held on Thursday October 27, 2016 from 4 - 8 PM at Morse Funeral Home Inc, 33 Railroad Ave, Middletown, NY A Funeral Service will be held on Friday October 28, 2016 at 11 AM at the First Presbyterian Church of Denton, 22 County Route 56, New Hampton, NY with burial to follow at the Pine Hill Cemetery, Town of Wawayanda, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Denton Presbyterian Church, PO Box 72, New Hampton, NY 10958 or The Education Center and 4-H Park, c/o Cornell Cooperative Extension, 18 Seward Avenue, Middletown, NY 10940. Arrangements are under the guidance of Morse Funeral Home Inc, 845 343 6918 www.morsefuneralhome.com

Charles C. Kirby

July 11, 1924 - October 23, 2016