Ronnie J. Kirk, 57, Paola, a native of Osawatomie, died unexpectedly of a heart attack Sunday, June 20, 1999 at Miami County Medical Center in Paola.

He was born July 31, 1941, at Osawatomie, the son of Harland P. and Florence Lillian Hazen Kirk. He grew up in Osawatomie, attended the schools there and graduated from Osawatomie High School in 1959.

He was married to Carol Kay Unruh on Aug. 4, 1952 at Newton, Kan. They became the parents of three sons.

Mr. Kirk worked at Osawatomie State Hospital after graduating from High School and then went to work at Sunflower Ordinance Plant at De Soto in 1965. He had been working for Wheeling Corrugating in Lenexa as a heavy equipment operator since 1971.

He was best known for his humor, his friendliness and helpfulness. He also was known to have a stubborn streak. He loved animals. He was an outdoorsman, who enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting.

He was known as a family man and especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He was never too old to play silly games with his grandchildren, such as tag, flash-light hide-and-seek, jumping on the trampoline and swimming.

He attended the New Testament Baptist Church at rural Paola. He was baptized Sept. 24, 1967 at the First Baptist Church in Paola.

He parents preceded him in death.

Surviving are his wife, Carol Kirk of the home; three sons, Brian Kirk of Flower Mound, Texas, Janson Kirk of Emporia and Shane Kirk of Lawrence; a brother, James Kirk of Paola two half-brothers, Corwin Kirk of Tucson, Ariz., and Robert Kirk of Pueblo, Colo.; and two grandchildren.

Services were at the church. Burial was in the Osawatomie Cemetery under the direction of Eddy-Birchard Funeral. Pallbearers were Gary Landes, Dan Stuteville, George Birge, Scott Staten, Jim Hudgens and Gene Hoffman. Clarence Clausen was an honorary bearer.

Memorials were established in his name to the church.