Joseph “Tooter” Eugene Kirby, Sr., 73, of Owensboro, passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. He was born March 17, 1952 in Owensboro to the late Eugene Kirby and Betty Carden. Joseph worked as a brick layer in his younger days and then retired from Owensboro Public Schools after 30 years. He was the CEO of Tooter’s Flea Market and was a member of Ridgewood Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Carrie Ann Kirby; brothers, George Condor, Robert Condor, and William Condor; and his fur baby, Sissy.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lisa Kirby; children, Christopher “Big Al” Kirby (Tammy), Joseph “Joey” Kirby Jr. (Tonya), Jennifer Kirby, Melinda Main (Larry), and Robert Howell; grandchildren, Christian Kirby, Dustyn Kirby, Austin Kirby, Houston Kirby, Kaylie Kirby (Patrick Jarvis), Logan Kirby, Kamrin Kirby, Abby Kirby, Seth Kirby, Kinsley Kirby, Deleica Newton, Rebecca Newton, Ayden Howell, Nolan Howell, and Reagen Howell; great-grandchildren, Nova Jarvis, Haddie Jarvis, Kayla Kirby, Ila Jarvis, Levi Peach, Carmela Lopez, and Gracie Mattingly; sister, Ellen Sanders; and several nieces and nephews. He loved his family in Alabama.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at James H. Davis Funeral Home and Crematory. Entombment will follow in Rosehill Cemetery. Visitation is from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday and from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.