Teddy Kirkley, 68, of Poplar Bluff, Mo. passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2015 in Burns Harbor, In., while working.
He was born August 14, 1946 to Howard and Oralee (Hastings) Kirkley, in Poplar Bluff. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and truck driver. He worked for Caterpillar for 7 years before beginning his career as an independent truck driver in 1972. He drove for 42 years before his untimely death. Everyone knew him as "Teddy Bear".
He loved spending time with his family, driving his golf cart, and working on antique tractors. He was an avid deer hunter and always had a story to tell. He enjoyed tractor pulls and was able to see his granddaughter, Renea pull her first tractor last summer. He was a member of the First Church of God.
On October 5, 1965, he married Linda (Moore) Kirkley in Broseley. She survives.
He is also survived by his loving family, two sons, Mark Kirkley and wife, Mary, Rick Kirkley and wife, Julie and one daughter, Cheryl Lorentz and husband, Daniel, all of Poplar Bluff; one brother, Tony Kirkley and wife, Brenda; a granddaughter, Renea King and husband, Dillin; three grandsons, Matt Kirkley, Jacob Lorentz all of Poplar Bluff; Tyler Kirkley of Doniphan; step-grandchildren, Brandon Hampton, Jennifer Cooksey, Valeria George; step-great-grandchildren, Breandrea Hampton, Allison George, Ashleigh Plunkett, Clayton James Plunkett all of Poplar Bluff; several nieces and nephews and a very special friend, Robert Phelps (RW).
Preceding him in death include his parents, one son, Kevin Kirkley, a sister, Linda Hardin and a very special mother-in-law, Maxine Moore.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2015 at Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 28, 2015 in the chapel with Rev. Scott Andrews officiating. Burial will follow in the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations may be made to Linda Kirkley.
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