Dean W. Kirby

Dean W. Kirby, age 72, of Rockport, IL passed away on Saturday April 5, 2025 at his home.  Dean was born on October 14, 1952 in Advance, Mo.  His parents were Everett and Ruby (Rhodes) Fuller.  Dean married Joyce Meyer on September 1, 1973 at the Catholic Church in Louisiana, MO and she survives.

Dean graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1970 and went on to attend the University of Illinois IDOT Engineering Training Program.  After completing his training, he went to work for the IDOT as an engineer and retired in 2001 after 35 years of service.  After retiring Dean became an avid vegetable gardener, with Joyce canning his bounty.  He also found enjoyment feeding and watching the birds and in his early years he liked to take his boys fishing.  He was a perfectionist at all he touched and was a talented drawer and wood carver.  Dean and Joyce loved taking rides or as he called it their daily travel trips and would usually end up at a casino.  Dean was a very intelligent man who was private, but was a loving and caring husband, father, and grandpa, who loved being around his family especially his grandkids. 

Dean is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Joyce; sons, Cliff (Christie) Kirby of New Canton, IL, Brian (Brandy) Kirby of Liberty, IL, James (Melissa) Kirby of Pleasant Hill, IL, Joseph (Misha) Kirby, of Rockport, IL; grandchildren, Kirstin Kirby, Courtney Kirby, Cody Kirby, Zaden Wassell, and Paige Sappington; great granddaughter, Londyn Chanel Robertson; brother, Don (Marsha) Kirby; in-laws, Ed (Karen) Meyer, Larry (LeAnn) Meyer, Carol Larroca, and George Stone; and many nieces and nephews survive.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ron Kirby; niece Jody Rennecker; sister-in-law, Mary Meyer. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday April 12, 2025 at the Rockport Town House at 2:00PM.  Family and friends are all welcome to attend.  In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to be made to the Samuel Taylor Cemetery.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com.  Niebur Funeral Chapel, Barry, IL is handling the arrangements.  

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