William “Hank” Henry Kirk

William H. “Hank” Kirk 94, passed away peacefully at his home in Midland on March 21st, 2022.

Hank was born in Hinsdale, Illinois on July 24, 1927 to William and Helen (Bialobrozski) Kirk. Hank attended the public school system in Hinsdale through high school. As a child, Hank was struck with polio and was hospitalized for over a year. After graduating high school Hank enlisted in the US Army Air Corp where he served as a weather forecaster and as a rifle instructor. Upon being discharged Hank returned to Hinsdale, enrolled in Hinsdale Community College and began his career in the transportation industry by driving a school bus.

There he met his future wife of 65 years, Patricia Ann Johnson who was a student riding his bus. They eloped after she completed high school and were married in Crown Point, IN. Hank and Pat moved to Bloomington, IN where Hank had enrolled at Indiana University. Hank graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. While at IU, Hank and Pat welcomed the first of three children, Linda.

After college the transportation industry took Hank to Crawfordsville, IN where he became active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCs) and reached the position of a National Director. Hank also got a taste of the entertainment business as he moonlighted as the night time DJ at radio station WCVL in Crawfordsville. While living in Crawfordsville, Hank and Pat had two additional children, Cindy and Jeff.

Business took Hank and the family to Kokomo, IN in 1966 where Hank operated the American Red Ball affiliate, Red Carpet Moving and Storage until 1980. Hank then moved himself and Pat to his adopted home, Midland, Texas where he spent the next 40 years simultaneously cheering for IU and Texas Tech sports.

Hank retired from the City of Midland and returned to his roots, driving a school bus for the Midland School Systems. Hank loved driving the bus and managed to work that into nearly every conversation with anyone who would listen.

Hank remained active in his community by volunteering with the United Way and by working the public announcement system for Lee High School basketball as well as spearheading fund raising ventures for Lee High’s traveling sports teams. Hank loved youth sports and could often be found at basketball arenas in the area watching local high school and college teams. Pat and Hank attended First Christian Church in Midland.

Not one to embrace retirement, Hank began another business venture, “Resumes That Get Results”. One of the first resume writing businesses in west Texas. Hank wrote hundreds of resumes that helped many people obtain new and rewarding careers. Hank was very proud of each resume he wrote, taking the time to get to know each customer personally and writing the best most eloquent resume he could. Hank wrote resumes into the fall of 2021 when he finally turned over the keyboard to Linda.

Hank was survived by his three children, Linda Kirk of Midland, TX, Cindy Robertson of Indianapolis, IN, and Jeffrey (Deanna) Kirk of Westfield, IN. Grandchildren are Elliot (Yong) Tracey of Bethlehem, PA, Cameron (Samantha) Tracey of Toronto, Ontario, CA, Joel (Hadley) Kirk of Los Angeles, CA, Amy Kirk-Jemmett of Toronto, Ontario, CA, Sashah (Dwayne) Fletcher of Indianapolis, Brianna Robertson of Indianapolis, Nicholas (Adele) Kirk of Indianapolis, Amber (Doug) Kirby of Sweetser, IN, Allyson (Justin) Lee of Greenwood, IN, Anthony (AJ) Corlett of Washington, IN and Angel (Tim) Cleveland of Topeka, IN, and 16 great grandchildren.

Hank is also survived by a special friend and companion of several years, Jeannette Lincoln of Midland, Texas to whom the family wishes to express their endless love, and gratefulness for being there for Hank.

Hank is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Patricia Ann Kirk. His mother Helen, his father William Kirk (who at the age of 16 immigrated from Poland with just his younger brother in the early 1900’s) and his step-mother Agnes Kirk, his in-laws and outlaws, Ralph and Lavonne Johnson and one grandson, Aaron Jeffrey Kirk.

Per Hank’s wishes, no public services are planned. Private memorial services will be held in both Midland and Indiana for family and immediate friends. Hank’s wishes were to be cremated and his remains dissipated across his favorite place on earth, Big Bend National Park.

Services are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.

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