Allan R. Kirby (1943-2021)

KIRBY, MESS, RODNEY

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 1/19/2021 at 12:14:52

Allan R. Kirby, 77, a former resident of Grand Haven in Eldridge, died on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, at the Kahl Home in Davenport.

A memorial gathering is being planned for later this year. Memorials may be made to the North Scott Schools STEM Programs. Chambers Funeral Home of Eldridge is assisting the family with arrangements.

He was born in Davenport on May 20, 1943, the son of Floyd and Marjorie (Mess) Kirby. Allan was a 1961 graduate of North Scott High School and a 1965 graduate of Iowa State University. In 1971, he received his PhD in experimental physics from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

Allan retired from Carleton Life Support Systems in Davenport. In earlier years, he was an instructor at Sauk Valley College in Dixon, Ill., was an instrumentation specialist for General Electric in Morrison, Ill., and an engineer/research specialist for Dickey-John in Bettendorf. In addition, he also worked for the Argonne National Laboratory and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

His life revolved around his work and continuation of learning. He was an avid reader and was also a licensed private pilot.

Those left to honor his memory include his brother, Blaine (Becky) Kirby of LeClaire; his sister-in-law, Judy Kirby of Eldridge; his nieces and nephews, Brian (Ann) Kirby, Lisa (Rodney) Williams, Kristin Gibson, Lonny (Kris) Kirby, Bethany Midolo, Jennifer (Scott) Bruce, Brad Kirby and Sara Braack; several great-nieces and nephews; and his aunt, Nora Mess of Davenport.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Roger Kirby; and his parents.

Condolences may be expressed to the family by viewing his obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.