Gerald Albert VanKirk

Mr. Gerald Albert VanKirk, 66, of Lake City, died Saturday, April 2, 2011, at his home. Mr. VanKirk was born on Feb. 28, 1945, in Pierson, Mich., to the late James Russell and Addie Elizabeth VanKirk. Mr. VanKirk was a member of the Liberty Community Church of Lake City, he served in the U.S. Army Engineers during the Vietnam era and received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He was a lifelong resident of Lake City, a farmer until 2004, worked for Ritter Crop Service, enjoyed fishing and telling jokes.

Survivors include his loving wife, Ruby Nadine VanKirk of the home; two sons, Charles VanKirk and wife Darlene of Paragould, and Geno VanKirk of Lake City; two brothers, Ray VanKirk and wife Pat, and John VanKirk both of Lake City; a sister, Priscilla Sokoll of Three Rivers, Mich.; seven grandchildren; many nephews and nieces; dear and best friends for many years, Marlon and Helen Cambron of Jonesboro; and a host of other family and friends.

Mr. VanKirk was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Gerald Wayne VanKirk; two daughters, Sherry Ann Gray and Malinda Sharlene VanKirk; six brothers, Jay VanKirk, Bob VanKirk, Jerry VanKirk, James VanKirk, Bill VanKirk and Russell VanKirk; one sister, Martha Irwin, and one great-grandchild.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, at the Lake City Cemetery with Rev. Roma Adams officiating. The family will receive visitors at the Liberty Community Church in Lake City from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 6.

Pallbearers will be Charles VanKirk, Blake VanKirk, Tyler Gray, Ray VanKirk, John VanKirk, Bill Foster, and Geno VanKirk. Honorary pallbearers will be Marlon Cambron, Jessie Warren, Scotty Baker, Amber Warren, Donnie Owens, James Cambron, Cody Cambron, Derek Warren and Jerry Wayne VanKirk, Jr.

Faith Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.