Roll Call Tribute

Evan Ray Kirk 

July 8, 1968 - February 27, 2024 

Evan Ray Kirk left this world earlier than his family would have liked. Though his years on this earth were not long, his family takes great comfort in knowing that Evan lives on in the presence of God, where he has been made whole in body, mind, and spirit.

Surrounded by books and land, Evan grew up in Houston with his parents (both educators) and his brother, James. He enjoyed a fairly typical childhood going to the library that bordered the pasture behind his house, camping, and playing various sports. His parents instilled in him a love of reading, history, and the church. Most of Evans enduring friendships were formed at Fairbanks Baptist Church through children's and youth ministry.

After graduating from Jersey Village High School, Evan attended Texas A&M University where he met Annette, his former wife of 31 years. Shortly after marrying, Evan decided to enlist in the military. He completed basic and advanced individual training at Ft. Sill, OK before going to Airborne School in GA. At his airborne graduation, Evan had the honor of receiving his first set of jump wings from a World War II airborne veteran. Evan arrived at Ft. Bragg, NC to sign in to his first unit with the 82nd Airborne Division just in time to deploy to Desert Storm. That deployment was followed by an assignment in Germany, special forces medic training in San Antonio, a return to the 82nd, and an eventual job change to Psychological Operations. Except for a brief stint as an Army Recruiter in Phoenix, AZ, the majority of Evans career was spent deploying from Ft. Bragg, NC to the Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Yemen (2x), Jordan, Iraq (3x), and Egypt. After nearly twenty-one and a half years of service, Evan retired in 2011 as a Master Sergeant and Senior Parachutist. Among his many Army commendations are the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Services Commendation Medal, and several Army Commendation medals.

Though Evans military career required great sacrifices of time with family, he was most proud of his two sons, James Austin and Marshall Houston. He loved to camp and hike with them. He also enjoyed sharing a love of books, music, and movies, especially Lord of the Rings and all things Marvel or Star Wars. Lately, though, Austin and Houston had to cede their place in Evans affection to Adela, Evans only grandchild. "Pops" was smitten at first sight.

Evan was preceded in death by his parents, James and Shirley Kirk. He is survived by his son Austin and wife Selina, and granddaughter Adela; son, Houston; brother, James Lee Kirk and wife Joyce along with nieces, Jessica and Jenna. Evan is also survived by his aunts, uncle, and numerous cousins. And finally, Evan would want to recognize his dog, Theo, who will miss him greatly.