Norman Kirby

Norman Benson Kirby, 75, of Dayton, passed away at home with his family by his side on November 29, 2022. He was born September 16, 1947 in Michigan City, Indiana to his late parents, Harry Benson Kirby and Blanche Esther Neese Kirby.

Norman graduated from Emerson High in 1966. He was enlisted in the Navy from September 1967 to December of 1970 as an En 2nd Class E-5 while serving in the Vietnam War. After being honorably discharged he returned to his hometown where he worked as a longshoreman at the Port of Indiana. He moved to Texas in 1982 and set up residence in Dayton in 1989. Norman retired from Exxon Shipping then, retired as a diesel mechanic from R.B. Everett and Company.

Norman enjoyed: spending time with his family and friends, sports,woodworking, working on vehicles, gambling, riding to the farms and checking on the beehives, watching the grandchildren play sports, playing cards, riding his motorcycle, and horseshoes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard Kent Kirby and brother-in-law, Norman “Santa Claus” Mikrut.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Diana Kirby; daughters, Norma Kirby and husband, Ricky Finley of Mt. Belvieu, Bethany Stewart of Livingston, Krystal Rogers and husband, Chris of Dayton and Diana Higgins and husband, Thomas of Dayton; sons, Richard Kirby and wife, Maritza of Santa Fe and Joey Kirby and wife, Cindy of Mt. Belvieu; sisters, Brenda Detert and husband, Gary and Katherine Mikrut; grandchildren, Preston, Michael, Wessley, Felicia, Megan, Brittany, Hayley, Chance, Natassia, Brandon, Brice, Kane, Ryan, Payton, Kadyn, Karsyn, Konnor; 15 great-grandchildren and one on the way and special friend, Nancy Hegland.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 Sunday, December 11, 2022 at the Kenefick Southern Baptist Church with Rev. Jeff Day Officiating.

To view his online obituary, or post a tribute to the family, go to www.pacestancil.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Pace-Stancil Funeral Home, 1304 N. Cleveland, Dayton, Texas 77535, 936-258-5300.