SALEM – Joseph (Joey) Eugene Kirk passed away at his home in Salemtowne leaving behind a loving family and many friends. Joey was born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois to Joseph C. Kirk and Fannie A. Kirk. Joe spent his school years in Mt. Vernon. He joined the Marines on July 2, 1942. He spent his basic training in San Diego and New Zealand. He fought in five campaigns in the South Pacific, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa. Joe received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

 

            Returning home to Mt. Vernon he met a farm neighbor girl, Virginia “DeDe” Storment and Joe said it was love at first sight. The marriage lasted 54 years until her death in 1999. They lived in Los Angeles for eight years. In 1953 they moved to Oregon and lived in West Salem. Joe co-owned the Chevron gas station on Center Street for years and then went on to do refrigeration for Deluxe Ice Cream until his retirement. Joe was an avid golfer, tinkerer and painter. He and DeDe enjoyed their A-frame cabin in LaPine which was the site of many good times with family and friends. After retirement he and DeDe spent winters in Florence, Arizona, soaking up the sun, playing golf, RVing and meeting new people. Joey was preceded in death by his beloved DeDe, his parents, his sister Imogene and his brother Billie. He is survived by his brother Rex of Crystal Lake, Illinois, his loving companion Gail Kuzaro and many nieces and nephews who will miss his sense of humor, his smile, his humming and the twinkle in his eyes. Thank you for spoiling us “rotten”.

 

            A celebration of Joey’s life will be held in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Willamette Valley Hospice, 1015 3^rd Street NW, Salem, Oregon 97304. Arrangements by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.