Keith Kirk

Keith D. Kirk, 81, of Oblong, IL, died unexpectedly on September 18, 2026, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, IN.

Keith was born on November 17, 1944, in Robinson, IL, to Leonard & Effie (Matheny) Kirk. He grew up on the family farm near Oblong and graduated from Oblong High School in 1962. He went on to attend Vincennes University for a year before joining the United States Army as a paratrooper in the 101st  Airborne division. 

After his time in the service, Keith returned home to Oblong. He first worked at Matheney Auto before beginning a long career with Marathon, where he worked for 30 years.

On August 2, 1964, Keith married Beverly Vaughn, and together they built a life centered around family, faith, and the community they called home.

Keith was an outdoorsman through and through. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping, and mushroom hunting, though coon hunting held a special place among his favorite pastimes. Some of his best days were spent fishing with his grandchildren and sharing with them the things he had learned over a lifetime outdoors.

He also loved to sing songs and tell stories, and especially in his younger years, he was known to joke and kid around with those around him. He had a wealth of knowledge and seemed to always be observing, learning, and remembering. He never felt the need to make much of himself, though, and beneath his quiet exterior was a man his family knew to be humble, generous, tender-hearted, fun, and loving. Keith was also deeply patriotic, proud of his military service and proud of his country.

Keith's faith was an important part of his life. He and Beverly were members of the First Christian Church of Oblong, where Keith served for several years as a deacon. He enjoyed visiting with people at church and was always willing to help where he could. Together with his brother, he also helped begin a mission effort in Mexico, a work that remained meaningful to him over the years.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly Kirk; his children, Pam Kirk and Kim & Terry McCleave; grandchildren, Megan Strachan, Marshall (Kelsey) McCleave, and Alexandria Kirk; great-grandchildren, Tyler  Strachan, Sophia Strachan, Carson Barnes, Mack McCleave, Maya McCleave, and Malachi McCleave; brother & sister-in-law, Gene & Janet Kirk; sister & brother-in-law, Karen & John Staley; sister-in-law, Rose Ann Kirk; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard & Effie (Matheny) Kirk; his sons, Lance E. Kirk and Anthony Scott "Tony" Kirk; granddaughter, Brandi Deckard; sisters & brothers-in-law, Reba & Henry Traylor Sr. and Dawn & Wayne Tracy; and brothers & sister-in-law, David & Judy Kirk and Noel Kirk.

A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 21st at Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Dee Wolfe officiating. Burial will be in Wilkin Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by the combined units of the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132.

Memorial contributions may be made to the "Mexican Missionary Organization" or the "First Christian Church of Oblong," with envelopes available at the funeral home.