Robert Kirkwood Jr.

Robert Kirkwood or “Mott” was born in Kilmichael, Mississippi to the late Henrietta McClain Kirkwood and the late Robert Kirkwood, Sr. His parents along with the following siblings preceded him in death: Roosevelt Willis, Richard Willis, Camia Simpson, Edna Kilgore and Corneice Presberry. He gave his life to Christ at an early age in Mississippi at Lindsey Springs Baptist Church. His mom called him Mott because he was mottly fat when he was a baby. He attended various schools in Kilmichael, Mississippi but graduated High School from Scott Central after the family relocated to Sikeston, Missouri in 1961. He met the love of his life, the late Joyce Marie Henry and they married in July 1963. They lived in Sikeston and Vanduser, Missouri, where they began a family. Soon after, they decided to make St. Louis their permanent home. To this union of fifty-five years, they raised four children: Teresa Ann, Robert III, Shawn Courtney and the late Raymond Lamont, who preceded him in death. He was active in all of his children’s lives. He coached them during their little league games and basketball games. He went to all their games, which was not always easy. He was a cool dude. Robert was a jack of all trays; let him tell it. He retired after 30 plus years of service from Ford Motor Company at the age of 55. However, he loved keeping busy. He loved to work on stuff and take care of his lawn; so much so that he started a lawn service business after he retired. He had a strong work ethic. His hobbies included fishing, gardening and hunting with his brothers. On top of all of that, he also loved to take his family on vacations and visit his relatives all over the United States. He travelled to over 40 states and two countries. He will be dearly missed. On Sunday, June 23, 2024, Robert transitioned. He leaves to mourn: one daughter ~ Teresa Ann Pearson (Reginald) of Alton, Illinois; two sons ~ Robert III (Nicole) of Atlanta, Georgia and Shawn Courtney (Yolanda) of Kansas City, Missouri; four grandchildren ~ MarKell, Harlym, Harper and Hariah Kirkwood; eight step-grandchildren ~ Kevin and Koty Jones, Latereka Pearson-White, Andria Randol, Helois Foster, Nikki Pearson, Cameo (Kim) Holland and Shaliece Pearson; four brothers ~ ML (Betty) Kirkwood, Miles (Maggie) Kirkwood, Arthur Kirkwood and Jerry (Janet) Kirkwood of Dallas Fort Worth, Texas; two sisters ~ Liz (Carl) King of St. Louis, Missouri and Maggie Lee Robinson (Leroy) of Springfield, Missouri; his in-laws include ~ Barbara Stephenson (Carl), Shirley Williams of St. Louis, Ethel Powell (Charles), Odell (Marilyn) of Jefferson City, Missouri, Carolyn Carter (Donnie) of Houston, Texas and Everlyn Rader (Howard) of Springfield, Missouri; sister-in-law ~ Alice Henry; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends that he loved and cherished.

Tributes

Robert Kirkwood Jr.

October 8, 1941 - June 23, 2024