Larry Dean Kirby

Larry Dean Kirby, 71, of Kissimmee, FL passed away on October 26, 2021. Larry was born to Roy and Olla Kirby on May 30, 1950, twin to Jerry Kirby, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Paris High School and joined the Army National Guard, 1544th transportation unit. Later, he attended Eastern Illinois University graduating with his Bachelor’s then Master’s in Education. Mr. Kirby started his teaching career at Tuscola and Chrisman High Schools, but soon got a job teaching Industrial Arts at Paris High School where he taught the remainder of his career. He coached both wrestling and baseball and was a class sponsor for various classes over his years at PHS. A long-time wood craftsman and home builder, Larry built the Spring play and May Fete sets, helped to restore Laker Stadium and the Paris Santa House. Known to most as “Kirb”, he taught at Paris High School for 35 years, retiring in 2011. Larry was an Army and Air National Guard reservist. He served his country by protecting the University of Illinois campus during the Vietnam protests and served the 1544th on trips to Germany and Honduras. He was also a member of Paris Legion Post #211. Upon retirement, he moved to Kissimmee, FL with his wife, Carol where they owned a golf cart business. He enjoyed working in his shop, eating out with friends, going to festivals with his wife and visiting with family. Anyone that knew Kirb, knew there was a cold beer ready for them at his bar. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Olla Kirby, his twin brother, Jerry, brothers Roy Jr and Leo Kirby and sister, Norma Keefer. Larry is survived by his wife of 28 years, Carol; children, Rob (Sheri) Hackett, Lori (Leo) Shanks, Laura (Michael) Minnis, and Andrew (Kit) Kirby; grandchildren, Justin (Bethany) Hackett, Sydney Shanks (Justyn Milburn), Ivy Shanks, Avery, Addison and Aidan Minnis, Cate, Claire and Drew Kirby: great-grandchildren, Layken and Briar Hackett, Ryder Kaufman, Brylee and Ashlee Milburn. Larry is also survived by his brother, Donald (Sondra) Kirby, and many nieces and nephews. There will be no formal services at this time. The family will hold a private remembrance at a later date. Donations to the charity of your choice.

Larry Dean Kirby

May 30, 1950 - October 26, 2021