David Harold Kirby, age 78, of Wellston, passed away Wednesday, April 23, 2025.  Dave was born on May 9, 1946 to James Harold Kirby and Mary Ellen Bolar Kirby. He was the sixth of eight children, and he grew up in Hamden, Ohio. In 1965 he graduated from Hamden High School where he showcased his love for sports, playing basketball, track, & baseball. Post graduation, he bravely and proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Afterwards, he worked at Austin Powder, Goodyear, and Mills Pride.  He married his sweetheart, Aurella McGuire, on July 25, 1969, and they were married for 55 glorious years. They built a family that was based on hard work, dedication, and most importantly, a love for Jesus.  Dave was also known for his personality.  He could talk to a stranger about his love of sports, and he was an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes.  Dave was also quick to tell a clever joke.  He started and then coached a church co-ed softball league for both men and women for 20 years. Through this outreach, he brought various people to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  He also coached little league and pony league at Wellston for many years and was a volunteer umpire for the All-Star games.  Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Aurella; son, Sean Kirby; daughter, Pamela Kirby Milam; son-in-law, David Milam; a very special niece who was his daughter in his heart, Paula; grandkids, Sean Kirby II, Leah Milam Miller, Hannah Milam Curry; great-grandkids, Braden Kirby, Wyatt Kirby, Paisley Kirby, Easton Kirby, Kennedie Miller, Charlie Miller, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. He was a caring and devoted husband, a great dad, pawpaw, and great-pawpaw.  Dave was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Angelia Kirby; and by all his siblings, including his beloved sister, Patty Oberholzer.  Dave loved the Lord, his family, his friends, and the church. Gone from our presence, but in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we admire his faithfulness. He is now reunited with and experiencing the fulfillment of a life well-lived, unfathomable joy in our Lord's presence. We all very much love you & deeply miss you. We'll see you soon!  To honor Dave's memory and how much he meant to his family and friends who loved him, there will be a visitation on Saturday April 26th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston.  Funeral service will follow the visitation with Pastor Tim Simpson officiating. Burial, with military honors, will be in the Ridgewood Cemetery in Wellston. Donations in Dave's memory can be made to the American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org). Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Do not fear the road ahead, for God walks with you. His hand will guide you, and His grace will sustain you through every trial.