Kevin Eugene Kirksey

Kevin passed in the comfort of his home with loved ones around him in Stevensville, Michigan on October 15, 2016. The Kirksey family will be holding a memorial for Kevin, by pastor Rusty Stark on Sunday, October 23rd at 4:00pm at the Benton Harbor Church of Christ (located at 1495 E. Empire Avenue). Born in Benton Township, Kevin is the youngest son of Delmer and Betty Kirksey who raised him from infancy. Kevin is a 1983 graduate of Lakeshore High School where he played drums in the Marching Band, enjoyed the motor shop, and had many friends. During the years of 1984-1986, Kevin was stationed in Florida with the U.S. Air Force. During that period, Kevin became a father to a baby girl, Crystal in 1984. He returned home to Michigan and his love for working with people led him into a long and enjoyable career in the restaurant-management industry. In 1986, he welcomed a baby boy, Michael into his family. Over the years, Kevin has had the opportunity to manage and improve several restaurants including Ponderosa, Bob Evan’s, Denny’s, Wendy’s, and many more in the surrounding Southwest Michigan area. Kevin enjoyed vacationing in Las Vegas; the card floor and slot machines held fond memories. Kevin spent many weekends watching sports with his family, rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles, Michigan Wolverines, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He also took pleasure in taking his kids on family outings. Some highlights included Cedar Point, whitewater rafting, Disneyland, a Chicago Bulls game, and fishing. Kevin will be best remembered as a devoted, loving father and grandfather who always went the extra mile to support his children; a caring son and brother; and a fair, fun, and respected boss and coworker. Kevin had a compassionate heart, always putting others’ needs ahead of his own. He was an all-American dreamer who drove fast cars, lived by his values, and followed the pursuit of happiness. Kevin is survived by and will forever live in his beautiful daughter Crystal L. Kirksey, his most cherished son Michael A. Kirksey, and their spouses Kelsie E. Kirksey and Jeron G. Higgins. His two precious grand-daughters Kailey L. Higgins (12) and Kaitlynn A. Higgins (8), his mother Betty R. (Barnwell) Kirksey and his father Delmer M. Kirksey, brother Roger A. Kirksey, and sister Kassandra L. Kirksey. Kevin was blessed with the news of an expected third grandchild into the Higgins family. Please make contributions on Kevin’s behalf to the Make A Wish Foundation who granted his youngest granddaughter a wish to Disney World for the entire family during her struggle with cancer; this trip was a truly magical experience for Kevin and the family.