Rod Kirby

Memorial services will be held at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at East Bayou Baptist Church for Rod Kirby, 56, who passed away Friday, April 27, 2007 after a battle with cancer. Reverend Mike Walker, Pastor of East Bayou Baptist Church, will conduct the funeral services. Rabbi Ron Aaronson will open the services with prayer. Rod was born in Lake Charles and was a resident of Youngsville. He was a 1969 graduate of South Terrebonne High School. He attended Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business. After graduation from Nichols, Rod embarked on a successful career in the oil industry initially working overseas with Magabar. On his return to the United States, he worked with Delta Mud/Chromalloy. Later in life Rod came into a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and after graduating from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity degree, he briefly served as Co-Pastor of First United Baptist Church in New Orleans. Upon his return to Lafayette Rod served as Associate Pastor of Counseling, Celebrate Recovery, Missions and Special Events at East Bayou Baptist Church. Rod loved his animals, especially his little dog, Pete, as well as his feline family, particularly Benny and Reuben. Additionally, Rod had a passion for flying and golf; however, nothing exceeded his passion for serving the Lord. He is survived by his wife, Linda Gallien Kirby, formerly of Alexandria; parents, Gene and Myrna Kirby of Mesquite, Texas, formerly of Houma; brothers, Edmond Kirby and his wife, Janet; and Lawson Kirby and his wife, Sherry; stepson, Bill Cobb and his wife, Jan of New Orleans; stepdaughter, Julie Cobb Gaspard of Lafayette; stepson, Chad Blanchard; grandchildren, Britt Cobb, Jude Gaspard, Jake Gaspard and Alexis Blanchard; and a niece and nephews. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, A. Jack and Chloe Yellot of Houston, Texas; paternal grandparents, Lawson and Thelma Kirby; and nephew, Brandon Hardy. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Cobb, Jude Gaspard, Chad Blanchard, Mike Smith, Mike Rinberger, Robert Farmer, and Walden Toups. The family requests that visiting hours be observed on Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. until the time of service. A private service will be held at a later date in Pensacola, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of Rod Kirby to East Bayou Baptist Church, Celebrate Recovery Ministry, 2234 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette, Louisiana 70508, Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston Street, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506 or www.hospiceacadiana.com. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Brother Mike Walker and the pastoral and administrative staff, as well as all of our church family at East Bayou for their tremendous outpouring of love during this journey. Also, special thank you to Rabbi Ron Aaronson and his wife, Dolly, Linda Orr, Bret Lofton, David Strodderd, Iggy Landry and Rose Lilly of Hospice of Acadiana, and Dr. Peter Pisters and Dr. Robert Wolff of M.D. Anderson. Personal condolences may be sent to the Kirby family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette is in charge of all funeral arrangements.

Rod Kirby

March 2, 1951 - April 27, 2007