The Rev. Robert F. Kirkman of Freeport, Florida, formerly of Mitchell, passed away Saturday at Sacred Heart Hospital in Miramar Beach, Flordia at the age of 85.
Born in 1923 in Avoca to Roscoe and Bernice Kirkman, Robert was a Navy veteran of World War II and Korean War, member of American Legion Cecil Martin Post 250, retiree of NSWC Crane, pastor for a number of congregations throughout the area including Mitchell First Baptist Church, member and president of Indiana Baptist Board of Managers, Chaplain to the State Police Bloomington Post, Master of Bedford Masonic Lodge 14, honorary member of Mitchell Masonic Lodge 228 and member of Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis and served one year as Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Indiana.
He is survived by his daughters Peggy and Polly, brothers Tom and Joe, sisters Patsy and Joan, 2 granddaughters and 1 great granddaughter.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Lois, brother William and sister Carol.
Services will be held Thursday morning at 10:00am at the First Baptist Church in Mitchell with burial to follow at Talbott Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 2:00 until 8:00pm tomorrow at Chastain Funeral Home and again from 9:00am until time of service at the church.