GOFF, KS- Walter Kirk, 77, of Goff, passed away Sunday, January 08, 2012 at his home with his loving and dedicated wife with him. Mary Ann had devoted her life, especially the last few months, to ensuring his needs were met so that he could be kept at home which is where he wanted to be. He was born January 8, 1935 in Woodlawn, KS, the son of Robert Herman and Bernice Worchester Kirk.

Mr. Kirk joined the U.S. Air Force at age 18. He served in the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Guam and in El Paso, TX. He had worked as a tire inspector for Goodyear in Topeka, retiring in 1979. He then owned and operated Hillside Nursing Home in Goff and later, Merry Manor Nursing Home in Holton until 1996.

Mr. Kirk was a member of the American Legion Post #316 in Goff, KS. He enjoyed traveling and camping, taking his children, grandchildren and eventually his great-grandchildren on numerous vacations across the United States.

Walter was married to Mary Ann Cannon on May 2, 1956 in Topeka, KS. In addition to his wife, Mary Ann, Walter is survived by his children, Cinda Shuler, Ricky Kirk, Ronnie Kirk (Theresa) and Rodney Kirk all of the Goff area; his brother, Robert Kirk, Sr. of Lincoln, NE; 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Walter was preceded in death by his sisters, Maxine Bosworth, Dorothy Edwards and June Babb and a brother, Larry Kirk.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 12, 2012 at the Goff United Methodist Church. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery north of Goff. He will lie in state at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton where the family will greet with friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday evening. Memorials may be given to the Goff UMC or Nemaha Co. Home Health and Hospice c/o Mercer Funeral Home, Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.