ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Rhea Jean Kirk Jr., 85, of St. Joseph and formerly of Elkhart, Ind., passed away early Sunday morning, July 5, at Caretel Inns in Lakeland.

He was born Nov. 11, 1929, in Wheelwright, Ky., to Rhea J. Sr. and Josephine (Little) Ki

He married Zellene Marston on April 19, 1957, in Winchester, Va. She passed away Oct. 5, 2007, in Elkhart.

In addition to his parents and wife Zellene, his son, Douglas Kirk, preceded him in death.

Surviving are his children: daughters Kerry (Donald) Wilson of Stevensville and Jennifer (John) Lanham of St. Joseph and a son, Anthony Kirk of Orlando, Fla. Five grandchildren survive as well.

Mr. Kirk graduated from Shepherd College in Shepherdstown, W.Va. Rhea formerly worked as a chemist for several area manufacturers serving the rubber and plastics industry, including Triangle Rubber & Plastics, Syracuse Rubber, Western Rubber Co. and Elkhart Rubber Co. He was past president of the Fort Wayne Rubber and Plastics Group. Rhea was a member of Calvary Assembly of God Church in Elkhart. He enjoyed golfing and playing chess.

A celebration of Rhea's life will begin with a gathering of family and friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 9, at The Chapel, Evangelical Free-Church, 4250 Washington Ave., St. Joseph, MI 49085. Funeral services for Mr. Kirk will begin at 3 p.m. with visitation starting at 1 p.m. Friday, July 10, at Calvary Assembly of God Church, 1010 E. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart. Pastor Brian Whidden will officiate. Burial will follow in Frame Cemetery.

The family kindly requests memorials be given to Calvary Assembly of God Church.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home in Elkhart.

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