Dr. Vernon Osbourn Kirby

Vernon Osbourn Kirby passed away January 5, 2011, in Lee’s Summit Missouri.

He was born on May 25, 1917, to Grace and Osborne Kirby in Miltonvale, Kansas. Raised in Coffeyville, Kansas, he received his undergraduate degree from Coffeyville Junior College and in 1940, his baccalaureate from Baker University. Upon his return as part of the occupying force in Japan, he married Velma Mae Popkins Hornbaker on February 14, 1948.

Vernon taught science in Tribune Kansas, entering secondary school administration as a high school principal in Lindsborg, Kansas. He obtained his Masters from Wichita University and Doctorate from the University of Colorado. From 1953 to 1984 he was an administrator in the Wichita Kansas school system, serving as principal of Truesdell Junior High School, East High School, and Southeast High School. Retiring to Belle Vista, Arkansas, Vernon and Velma delighted in entertaining friends and family.

He loved traveling and boating and was active in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. After moving to Lee’s Summit Missouri, in 2001, Velma died on October 17, 2006.

Vernon married Barbara Vandieren on April 26, 2008. He has been active in Shrine, Masons, Eastern Star, Kiwanis, and the Methodist Church. Preceded in death by his parents, Velma, an infant daughter, and brother Donald Kirby. Survived by wife Barbara; sisters Florence Schadt of Emporia, Kansas, Elinor Lewallen of Denver, Colorado: nieces and nephews; daughters Darla Dodson and husband Dave of Fort Worth, Texas and Kathy Gattshall and husband Bob of Shawnee, Kansas; son Craig Kirby of Fort Collins, Colorado; 5 grandchildren, Sharla Gattshall and Brian Byrnes of Olathe, Kansas, Kim Gattshall of Overland Park, Kansas, and Chris Gattshall with wife Kelly of Olathe, Kansas, Don Dodson and wife Hua of Fort Worth, Texas and Lisa Dodson of Carrollton, Texas; and 5 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Lee’s Summit United Methodist Church building fund, 114 S.E. Douglas Street, Lee’s Summit, Missouri 64063.

Visitation and Services

Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m., Saturday January 15, 2011, at Lee’s Summit United Methodist Church with memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m.