Roll Call Tribute

Alfred "Al" Kirst, Jr. 

February 28, 1936 - March 1, 2024 

Mr. Alfred “Al” Kirst, Jr. died Friday, March 1, 2024, age 88, at Medical City Plano following a brief illness.

Al was born in Seguin, Texas, on February 28, 1936, to Alfred and Hertha Kirst. He graduated from Seguin High School. Al attended Texas A&M University, Class of 58 where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Computer Science, he was also a certified Professional Engineer.

Al went on to be a pioneer in deep sea exploration with Westinghouse Ocean Research Laboratory, designing and constructing the Deep Star 2000. Al moved on to Texas Instruments as a defense engineer, and in his third career was a Project Management consultant with IMS.

Al loved working with young people as a campus recruiter. He went on to mentor many of the students he met while on campus visits. He and his family travelled the country through his line of work, and they eventually settled in Plano, Texas where he has lived for the last 52 years.

Al was an active member of St. Mark Catholic Church, serving on the usher committee for years. He was a fourth-degree knight of the Knights of Columbus.

Al is survived by his wife of 64 years, Audrey Kirst; their children Alfred Kirst, III (Theresa), Matthew Kirst, Jennifer Kirst Suplita (John Paul); and grandsons Justin Erik Kirst and Jackson Martin Suplita and many much-loved nieces and nephews. Al was predeceased by his parents Alfred August and Hertha Kirst, his siblings Doris Reininger, Louis Kirst and Evelyn Boswell.

There will be a rosary held at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2024, with a visitation time with the family until 8:00 p.m. at Allen Family Funeral Options.

There will be a funeral mass 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 22, 2024, at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1201 Alma Dr., Plano, Texas, 1201 Alma Dr. Plano, Texas 75075 with Rev. Jason Cargo officiating. Al will be laid to rest in the Columbarium at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church at the conclusion of the mass. There will be a reception held following the inurnment at the St. Mark’s office location, 1105 W. 15th Street, Plano, Texas 75075.