Vincennes, IN – Leonard S. Noel Kirk, 80, of Vincennes, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2022 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. He was born on July 7, 1942 in Robinson, Illinois to the late Leonard and Effie (Matheny) Kirk.
Noel’s great joy was his family. He and his wife Rose Ann saw 62 wonderful years together raising children, and enjoying their grandchildren. He enjoyed watching their activities, from sports to marching band to fine arts. Noel counted it a privilege to perform weddings for many of his children and grandchildren, as well as numerous extended family members. Noel and Rose Ann loved to travel together, visiting friends and family across the US and the world. He was also an accomplished craftsman, equally comfortable framing a deck or building cabinetry.
Noel graduated from Oblong High School in 1960 and married his love Rose Ann that summer. He graduated from Milligan College, and completed his Master of Divinity degree at Emmanuel School of Religion. While studying, he and Rose Ann welcomed their three children. Noel ministered at churches in Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and Indiana throughout his career. He also served on the board of Emmanuel School of Religion, while mentoring many future Christian leaders. He humbly modeled the teachings of Jesus to his family and all those who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Rose Ann (Fisher) Kirk; his children, Katrina Park (Matt) and Timothy Kirk (Penny); his grandchildren, Travis Park (Laura), John Ryan Park, Hannah Goebel (Garett), Zachariah Kirk, Caleb Kirk, Abigail Kirk and Austin Kirk; his great-grandchild, Azaria Kirk as well as his siblings, Keith Kirk (Beverly), Gene Kirk (Janet) and Karen Staley (John).
Noel is preceded in death by his son, Greggry Kirk as well as his siblings, Reba Traylor, Dawn Ellen Tracy and David Kirk.
Services will be on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at First Christian Church, 206 N Range St, Oblong, IL 62449. Visitation is at 10am, and a Celebration of Life will follow at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Illiana to provide scholarships for children who can’t afford a week at church camp. Donations can be made 3 ways: online at https://www.campilliana.org/donate with “In memory of Noel Kirk” in the memo section; by check made to Camp Illiana, memo “In memory of Noel Kirk”, mailed to Camp Illiana, 723 E 450 S Washington, IN 47501; or by phone at (812) 254-3322. Camp Illiana will inform the family of donors’ names.
Simple Cremation Evansville is entrusted with care.
Rick and Brenda Lurie says
Trina and Matt,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Nick Williams says
I met him through my brother who is in heaven greeting a old friend he was a special man I could tell in less than five minutes he had a heart of gold again I’m sorry for your loss and will keep his family in prayers and I believe we will all be back together in after life god bless and stay strong and believe he is looking down on his family and friends
Eddie and Gail Bailiff says
I’m so sorry to hear of our friend and ministers passing; however, we know that he is now in our loving Gods presence. Noel was an effective reflection of our Lord as he and Rose Ann worked tirelessly as ambassadors for all that is good and Godly. May God bless Rose Ann and that family during this difficult time.
Kendra Fout says
Rose Ann and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest condolences and all my love.
James & Nancy Taylor says
We are so sorry for your loss . Noel was a humble , loving man. We have really enjoyed our friendship and your kind hospitality throughout the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rose Ann and family. May God give you comfort and peace.Love from James and Nancy Taylor
Bob Kastens says
Prayers for Noel’s family. I followed Noel as minister with the Belvue Christian Church in Kingsport, TN. And I followed Noel as minister with the Louisville (TN) Christian Church. I am grateful to have known Noel and Rose Ann.
Cheryl says
Trina, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Praying peace and comfort for you and your family.
Dee Gonce says
Rose Ann, Katrina and Tim, we are so sorry about the passing of Noel. Remember all our fun times at Belvue. Raising our kids, game nights and fun. We lost Don on Mothers Day this year. We lost contact over the years. Would love to hear from you. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love Dee, Donnie and Mike Gonce
Dee Gonce says
Rose Ann, Katrina, Tim
We are so sorry about the passing of Noel. He was sure a good man. We lost Don Mother’s Day of this year so I certainly know what you are going through. I remember all the good times at Belvue. We were all so young raising our kids and had so much fun with church and activities, going places and playing games. I am sorry we lost contact over the years. Wish you would contact me
Love you
Dee, Donnie and Mike Gonce
Kent and Jenny Mezger says
Trina and Matt. Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your dad who is the epitome of a life well-lived.
Betty and Larry Richardson says
Noel was such a wonderful minister at West Village Christian Church in Oak Ridge, TN. I am confident that there has never been a better Bible School than those Noel and Rose Ann put together. Thank you for all the good you did here in Oak Ridge. Our prayers are with the family at this very difficult time.
Lore Heavilin says
RoseAnn
Praying for you during this bittersweet time. Bitter for your loss and sweet for Noel’s gain. Hugs and Prayers
Bill and Lore Heavilin
JoAnn Lindsey says
Rose Ann….so sorry to hear about Noel. Lifting you and your family
up in prayers for comfort. Will never forget the love you both shared
at Louisville Christian. May God’s love bring you peace.