Danny R. Kirk

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Pastor Danny Ray Kirk, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, departed this life in Rogers, Arkansas on Saturday, July 22, 2023, having reached the age of sixty-seven years. Danny was born in Belleville, Illinois on August 26, 1955, son of Grover Jethro Kirk and Marie Kirk nee Todd.

Danny is survived by his wife, Carolyn Kirk of Bella Vista, AR. They were married on July 24, 1976. She was the delight of his life for over 47 years. They loved each other faithfully and continually through the sweetest of times and through seasons of deep sorrow. Danny and Carolyn had a deep and abiding love for the Lord that was reflected in their marriage. Danny and Carol spent countless hours laughing, talking, exploring new places and serving others as well as each other. They were the very best of friends who simply loved being together.

Danny is also survived by three children, Amy Perry and husband, Kevin, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Angela Cox and husband, Brandon, of Rogers, Arkansas and Joshua Kirk and wife, Caron, of Phoenix, Arizona. Danny was a constant source of encouragement and unconditional love. He taught his children to love God and love others through the life he lived in front of them. He was the kind of dad that believed in them, cheered them on, and was always ready to share words of wisdom when they needed direction. The love he gave them was a priceless gift that will live on for generations.

In addition to his children, Danny is survived by eight grandchildren and one great grandchild: Jared and Jessica Perry and great-grandchild Wesley Perry, Olivia Perry, Danny Perry, Ella Cox, Samuel Cox, Andrew Cox, Caroline Kirk, and David Kirk. All of Danny’s grandchildren truly adored their Pops. He spent countless hours with them telling stories, laughing, and sharing in their lives. They never doubted that Pops was their biggest fan. The imprint he made on their hearts and lives will forever be with them.

Danny was proud to be the oldest of a large family. He is survived by his brothers, Jimmy Kirk and Tami Ellis, of Rochelle, Illinois, Jeffrey Kirk and wife, Dori, of Las Vegas, Nevada, Clifford Kirk and wife, Cheryl, of Jewel, Iowa, Roger Kirk and wife, Tammy, of Clinton, Iowa, Todd Kirk and wife, Wendy, of Huntsville, Alabama and Roy Kirk and wife, Arieta, of Orlando, Florida; by his sisters, Rose Gordon of Clinton, Iowa and Lisa Brady and husband, Matthew, of St. Charles, Missouri; in addition to many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Danny was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Jane Kirk; parents, Grover and Marie Kirk; and by one son, David Kirk.

Danny was a faithful follower of Jesus and gave his life to sharing the hope and redemption that can be found in Christ. He served as a pastor and church planter for 42 years in Texas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and Arkansas. He also coached and mentored pastors and church leaders all over the world.

Danny received his Bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University and later would go on to earn his Master of Science in Social Work from the Kent School of Social Work at the University of Louisville. One of Danny’s greatest desires was to make a difference in his community by showing up in the lives of those who were hurting, marginalized and in need. He did this well in countless ways throughout the years.

After retiring from vocational ministry, Danny’s church membership was at New Heights in Bentonville where he led a community group, which brought him and Carolyn great joy. He enjoyed woodworking, cooking, fishing, and gardening. Danny was an avid reader and loved to spend time at his cabin. His family meant the world to him.

A kind and loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle, cousin, and treasured friend, he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. The impact Danny made in this world is a testament to the difference Jesus made in his heart many years ago.