Joe Eckley Kirk Jr.

May 17, 1939 - March 31, 2021

Joe E. Kirk, Jr., age 81, passed away at Methodist West Hospital in Houston on March 31, 2021. He was a 1956 graduate of Huntsville High School. He went on to earn degrees in Mathematics and Physics at Sam Houston State University, and a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Texas. While at UT he met his wife of 54 years, Carol. Jodie taught Mathematics at the University of Wyoming, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and taught over thirty years at Sam Houston State University. As well as being an Eagle Scout and Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Reserves, he loved flying and was a licensed pilot and instructor for many years. His commitment to God, his family, and his community was illustrated in his years of active church membership, swim meets, maintaining many pets, music recitals, and 4-H with his daughters, and serving on boards of organizations like the Good Shepherd Mission. Jodie is survived by his wife, Carol, his daughter Carin Kirk Fredere, her husband, James, and son, Nathan, of New York, NY; his daughter Christin Kirk Lyday and her children, Peter and Vivian, of College Station, TX; his daughter Angela Kirk Fidati and her husband, David, of Chattanooga, TN. He is also survived by his sister Catherine Kirk Harris, her husband, Jim, and family of Austin, TX. He was dearly loved and will be missed. The funeral with take place at Sam Houston memorial Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 6th at 10:00 AM. There will be a visitation at the same location on Monday, April 5th from 5:00 PM — 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Joe E. And Mary O. Kirk Endowed Scholarship, SHSU Office of University Advancement, P.O. Box 2537, Huntsville, TX. 77341-2537. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences to the family may do so at www.shmfh.com.