Kennard Raymond Kirk, 94, of Bear, DE passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Born in Elkton, MD on October 17, 1931, he was the son of the late Franklin Dennis and Sarah Louise Warmkessel Kirk.

After graduation, Kennard joined the United States Marine Corps and was assigned to Company A 1st Amphibian Tractor Battalion. He was stationed along the Han River, which at the same time served as the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. During the 1970s, Kennard took up running as a hobby and eventually ran 4 marathons, including 3 Marine Corps marathons. For his professional life, he worked for many years as an engineer at the Bell Telephone Company until his retirement.

Survivors include his loving wife of 72 years; Rosa Caroline Holbrook Kirk, children; Glen Kirk and Barry Kirk (Anna), grandchildren; Shawn Kirk, Melissa Kirk, Josh Kirk, Krystina Fitzgerald, Alan Hubbard, eight great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren, and sisters; Norma Heck and Ada Winkowski.

Funeral service will be held 11 AM, Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Hicks Home for Funerals, 103 W. Stockton Street, Elkton, MD 21921, with visitation beginning at 10 AM. Interment with Military Honors will be in Rosebank Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Our Daily Bread Publications, P.O. Box 3566, 3000 Kraft Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512.