W. David Kirtley

W. David Kirtley, 67, beloved husband, father, "Papa", brother, uncle and friend was called to his eternal resting place to be with his creator on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. He entered this world on August 13, 1953 in Greenville, KY, born to Wilbur and Emma June Kirtley. He is survived by his beloved wife, Clara Kirtley; his four children, David, Krista, Jarrod and Judi; his sons-in-law, Carl and Jose; his grandchildren, Ryan, Evan, Jazmine, Ashley, Analicia, Milena, JoJo, and Carly; his sisters, Judy, Kathy, Debbie, Lisa and Laura; brothers-in-law, Joe Wachowski and Chuck Bolinger; and countless nephews and nieces. He joins in Heaven his parents; Wilbur T. and Emma June Kirtley; his mother and father-in-law, Mercedes R. Garza and Guillermo Garza; and his brother-in-law, Gary Dean Botts.

David graduated from Calumet High School in Gary, IN and went on to become a successful computer programmer analyst. In January of 1977 he met a beautiful woman while out with friends at The Hide Out in Highland, IN. He was instantly smitten and pursued her persistently until she agreed to have dinner with him on a Friday night. 6 weeks later he proposed to her and they were married October 15, 1977. They spent over 43 years married and share 4 wonderful children. Their love story is one for the ages. A true family man, nothing brought him more joy than to be with his wife, kids, and grandchildren and to see them all happy. When any of his kids asked him, "Dad, what do you want for Christmas/Father's Day/Your birthday," his answer was always "I want you all to be happy and to be healthy" and he meant that with his whole heart. His wife, children, and grandchildren were the absolute lights of his life.

David's greatest joy in life was being with his family, laughing and having fun. He loved to lovingly pick on his five sisters, he got great joy from feeding his young nephews and nieces too much sugar, too late at night, but no one was going to say no to uncle "Bubby". He was a die-hard Chicago Sports Fan loving the Chicago Cubs, Bears and Bulls. When the Cubbies won the World Series in 2016 his phone was ringing off the hook from family and friends congratulating him for the Cubbies win as his love for them ran so deep. His favorite leisurely activity was bowling, and he spent many years playing on leagues, the last one being the Senior League at Ten Pins and More Bowling Alley in Rio Rancho, NM, where he was affectionately referred to as "kid" - being the youngest senior on his team.

The legacy that will live on from David is unmatched. All who knew him, loved him - it was not hard. With a huge heart and a dry sense of humor you were always sure to feel loved and welcome around him, and a smile or a laugh were always guaranteed. Friends always became family to the Kirtley's and he wanted it no other way.

A private viewing will be held for family and close friends on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at FRENCH - Westside. A Catholic mass will be held at a later date.