Robert (Bob) Martin Kirbo 1943-2021

Robert (Bob) Martin Kirbo of Quitman passed away early Thursday morning, July 29, 2021 at age 78.

He was born on Jan. 4, 1943 to John W. Kirbo and Golden Jewell (Boman) Kirbo in Quitman. He was raised in Houston and graduated from Smiley High School.

He married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth McKay on Dec. 3, 1966.

Afterward, he was drafted into the United States Army in Fort Polk, La. He served his country proudly during the Vietnam War.

Robert and Mary had a daughter, Laura Michelle Kirbo, on June 15, 1968 in Irving. On Jan. 31, 1973, they had another daughter, Rebecca Elizabeth Kirbo, in Tyler.

Bob worked as a tire assorter for Kelly-Springfield in Tyler. He and Mary moved from Tyler to Quitman in 1977.  

Bob greets in Heaven his parents, John and Jewell Kirbo; his wife, Mary Kirbo; and cousin (brother), Jack Taylor.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Rebecca Watson and husband Billy of Quitman, and Michelle Griffin and husband George of Quitman; grand-dogs, Shandi and Lucy; cousin who was like a brother, Mark Taylor; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. 

Funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021 at Lake Fork Baptist Church in Alba with Brother Fred Morrow and Pastor Mark Taylor officiating.  Graveside service will follow at Myrtle Springs Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday evening at Lowe-Gardner Funerals & Cremations.

Serving as pallbearers are Billy Watson, George Griffin, Ernie Largent, Gene Deuson, David Johnson and Keith McKay.