Robert Darrell Kirkman, 81, of Marissa, IL, born March 13, 1942, in Marissa, IL, passed away on Thursday September 21, 2023, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Mr. Kirkman was a member of the Marissa Fire Dept. for 35 years retiring as Fire Chief in 2005. He honorably served his country from 1960 – 1964 in the US Navy as a Seabee.

He was preceded in death by his parents – Thomas and Dorothy (Erbe) Kirkman and daughter-in-law – Janice.

Darrell, as he was known, is survived by his loving wife – the former Lela Gladson, whom he married on June 26, 1965, at the United Methodist Church in Marissa, IL, his 2 children – Robert D. “Bob” Kirkman, Jr of Ballwin, MO, and Leah (Troy) Tuten of Marissa, IL, 9 grandchildren – Bradley (Kelsey) Kirkman, Meagan Kirkman, Cody (Julian) Mahan, Gena Mahan, Cory (Haylee) Mahan, Samantha (David) Dahle, Melissa (Emanuele) Passanisi, Tyler Tuten and Savannah Tuten.  He is also survived by 16 gr. grandchildren and 1 sister – Vickie (Gerald) Davis of Tilden, IL.

Memorials may be made to the Marissa Fire Department.

Visitation: 5 – 8 p.m. on Monday September 25, 2023, and from 10 – 11 a.m. on Tuesday September 26, 2023, at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL.  A Marissa Fire Dept. walk-thru will be held at 6 p.m. Monday evening.

Funeral: Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday September 26, 2023, at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL.  Interment will follow at Marissa TWP Cemetery in Marissa, IL

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL.

1. George & Mary Lou Bailey says:

   10/12/2023 at 3:22 pm

   Good Bye ole friend… you will be missed… Lela and kids you are in our thoughts and prayers

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2. Liz Anderson says:

   09/27/2023 at 11:42 am

   I will surely miss my uncle

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3. Lela Neisler says:

   09/25/2023 at 10:19 am

   My sympathy to the family. When my mother was married to Roland Schenke, before he was killed, they were best friends with Lena and Dewey. She then introduced my father to them and he was so taken by their beautiful little daughter, that he named me after her.

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   • Debbie Phelps says:

     09/25/2023 at 9:15 pm

     Darrell will surely be missed.
     But will waiting in Heaven for those that love him.

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4. Lisa Little says:

   09/24/2023 at 3:48 pm

   My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow. Please know I have you in my thoughts and prayers. Darrell was a treasure…,.a truly good person. I had the good fortune to work with Darrell as well as call him my friend. Those who touch our lives stay in our hearts forever. Heaven is a better place with you there, Darrell.

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5. Crystal Harrison says:

   09/24/2023 at 12:00 pm

   Darrell was my beloved cousin and an awesome human being.My mother Vickie Kirkman Haberman was his aunt who always loved him
   Like a son not as a nephew. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. We will miss you. RIP cousin til we meet again. Love You!

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6. Mark Lemanski says:

   09/23/2023 at 10:18 pm

   Sorry to hear of his passing , I worked with him many years ago at the Peabody Baldwin mine.

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7. Kenny Robinson says:

   09/23/2023 at 8:20 pm

   I worked with Darrell many years at Peabody Baldwin mine. He was a great boss and an all around good guy. Your going to be missed old coal miner. Prayers for family.

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8. Ron Kohring says:

   09/23/2023 at 6:58 pm

   So sorry to hear of Darrell’s passing. I too, worked with him for many years at Baldwin mine. My sympathies to all the family. Rest in Peace Darrell.

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9. JeffreyJeff Wahlig says:

   09/23/2023 at 6:16 pm

   Sorry to hear this Darrell was my boss at Baldwin underground great boss but better person may God bless

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10. Denise Bird says:

    09/23/2023 at 5:08 pm

    Lela and family,
    We are very sorry to see that Darrel passed away. You are in our thoughts.
    Always,
    Toby and Denise Bird

    Reply