David Kirk

David James Kirk, 66, of St. Johns, Arizona passed away surrounded by his family on August 27, 2024 from injuries he sustained in a car accident.

He was born October 12, 1957 in Linton, Green County, Indiana, the only child of James O'Dell Kirk and Joyce Marie (Parish) Kirk. His mother divorced and moved to Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where he lived with his grandparents, Buster and Fannie Parish, while his mother finished her degree. He stayed with his grandparents when his mother moved to Ramah, New Mexico for a teaching position.

His mother re-married to his step-father, Andrew Rothlisberger on April 14, 1962. David came to live with them in Eagar, Arizona. In 1969, they moved to Hayden/Winkelman, Arizona and then in 1970 to Dudleyville, Arizona. He attended school in Kearny, Arizona until December 5, 1975 when he joined the United States Marine Corps. He became an Instrument Tech, calibrating instrument panels and equipment. His military training was completed at 29 Palms, California.

David was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a Boy Scout.

On December 27, 1975 David married the love of his life, LaNeta June Quinlan. They spent the next four years in Jacksonville, North Carolina at Camp Lejeune. He left the military as a Lance Corporal after four years of service on February 2, 1979.

He worked for Brown and Root Security, Alamito, Valencia Power Company and Tucson Electric Power/Springerville Generating Station. When not working his full time job, he worked as a volunteer firefighter for the City of St. Johns. Through all the changes, David continued as a volunteer firefighter and earned his EMT certification. He continued his education and obtained his Intermediate EMT Certification and then his Paramedic Certification. This education brought with it the honor of being the first Paramedic in St. Johns. During his time with the Fire Department, David held the position of Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Chief Engineer, Assistant Chief and Chief. His service as a Paramedic and Firefighter touched many lives throughout his career.

He is survived by his wife, LaNeta June (Quinlan) Kirk; his sons, Jason Scott Kirk (Jean Ann Jolley Kirk), and Bradley Charles Kirk of St. Johns, Arizona; his 5 grandchildren: Destiny Aldenisha Kirk (Jarret Jensen) of St. Johns, David Drew Kirk (Kristine Liuyang) of Tempe, Arizona and Dylen Chance Kirk of St. Johns; his two great-grandchildren, Aalayna June Jensen and Jaryn Jason Jenson of St. Johns as well as his two siblings, Barbara Lowe of Sapulpa, Oklahoma and Beth Sleeman of Farmersville, Texas.

He is preceded in death by a son, David Henry Kirk, and a great-granddaughter, Aalyah Kathryn Jensen; parents, James O'Dell Kirk and Joyce Marie Parish Kirk Rothlisberger; step-father, Andrew Gibbons Rothlisberger and a brother, Richard Allen Rothlisberger.

On Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. there will be a public viewing/visitation held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Downtown Chapel, 35 W. Cleveland Street, St. Johns.

On Friday, September 13, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. a public viewing/visitation will be held at the Downtown Chapel with the funeral services to be held at 11:00 A.M.

There will be a Fire Service processional to the graveside, with interment at the St. Johns Cemetery following the funeral service.

Arrangements are under the direction of Owens Livingston Mortuary in Show Low, Arizona.

Helpful note: anyone wishing to send flowers may try these, Fran's Flower Shop in St. Johns or The Morning Rose in Show Low.