Obituary of James Kirkhart

James W. "Bill" Kirkhart Funeral services for James William "Bill" Kirkhart of Elsberry, MO, were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 18, 2005 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home in Elsberry. Rev. Connie Atchley, pastor of the Elsberry First Christian Church, officiated with burial in Elsberry City Cemetery in Elsberry. Serving as pallbearers were, Sonny Taylor, Bob Laird, Winston Bailey, Allen Mills, Steve Creech, and Terry Blair. Honorary pallbearers were Robert Watts, Donnie Kinsler, Charles Gladney, Don Bowers, Joe Thomas Ferguson, Allen Davis, Jeremy LaBanca and Earl Wheadon. Mr. Kirkhart, 80, died early Tuesday morning, February 15, 2005 at Lincoln County Nursing and Rehab Center in Troy, MO. Born August 4, 1924 in Elsberry, MO, he was the son of Norman Vincil and Lucille Rebecca Moore Kirkhart. He was a 1942 graduate of Elsberry High School. He served his country in the U.S. Army. He was united in marriage on May 18, 1947 in Elsberry to Mary Elizabeth Baker. He was employed for 19 years as an expediter for McDonnell-Douglas aircraft, retiring July 31, 1987. He drove a school bus for the Lincoln County R-II School District for 5 years and drove the McDonnell-Douglas bus for 15 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #226 in Elsberry and the New Hope Lodge #199 also in Elsberry. He was a former member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of St. Louis. He was a member of the Elsberry United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincel and Lucille Kirkhart. Survivors include his beloved wife of almost 58 years, Mary Kirkhart of Elsberry; three daughters: Mary Lynne Haynes and her husband, Chuck, of Virginia, Sheryll Kaye Kirkhart and Terri Sue Kirkhart, both of Elsberry; one grandson, Trent William Fay and his wife, Missy; and four great-grandchildren: Kinsee Cox, Zachary Fay, Haylee Fay, and Kylee Fay. He also leaves one sister, Betty Kirkhart of Elsberry; several in-laws, other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 17, 2005 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home in Elsberry. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home, 107 South Fifth Street, Elsberry, MO 63343.