Alan D. Kirk

Alan Dale Kirk was born in rural Republic County, Kansas, on September 17, 1940, and died at his home in Scandia on February 18, 2026. He was the second-born son of Ernest and Kathryn Kirk. Alan was preceded in death by his parents; his sons, David and Douglas; and his brother, Glen.

Alan is survived by his wife, ErnaReye Kirk; his son, Donald; six grandchildren, Shayla (Christopher) Steele, Keith, Cassidy, Alvy, Madisen, and Kathryn Kirk; and his great-granddaughter, Jennifer Steele.

He married ErnaReye Lowell in June 1959, and together they had three sons: David, Douglas, and Donald. The couple moved to Colorado in 1960, where Alan apprenticed as a machinist.

His work history included 32 years in the manufacture of nuclear weapons at the Rocky Flats Plant northwest of Denver, Colorado. He spent a lot of time with the nuclear engineers and helped teach many of these engineers' children, and the children of other coworkers, how to be machinists and inspectors. Al had a lot of patience as he taught many of these kids how to be responsible adults. These young men would come into work late or not feeling well after a long weekend. Their fathers would be rolling their eyes and wringing their hands, but Al guided them gently into greater responsibility, and many of these young men shared a lasting bond with him. Al retired when the Russian munitions budget was rendered nearly bankrupt by Ronald Reagan's U.S. Cold War policy. After retirement, Alan returned to Scandia, where he enjoyed being with family and former friends. The grandchildren spent much of their summers with their grandparents in Scandia.

Having been raised on a farm, Alan was always drawn to the outdoors. If he didn't have a chore to bring him outside, one might find him simply standing outside. More often than not, he was tending to his yard, which was a great priority and resulted in many approving comments. He enjoyed feeding and watering the birds but was not a fan of squirrels, who were constantly after the bird feed, or the cats who seemed to think birds were meant to be food for them.

Alan is remembered for his happy disposition. One wonders if there was ever a time when he entered a room without a smile on his face. He very much enjoyed trying to get the best of his cousin Delores Thompson, and many others open to jovial banter. Alan Kirk was a gentleman, always kind and gentle. He did not fear other people or animals and rather quickly dispatched aggressors before they understood what was coming.

Memorial services will be held at the Scandia United Methodist Church on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Sandra Jellison-Knock officiating.

Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Scandia, Kansas. Following the burial, family and friends are invited to return to the church for a luncheon and time of fellowship.

Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home is assisting the Kirk Family with arrangements.