Joseph David Van Kirk, passed away peacefully on October 10th 2026. He was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was born on November 4th, 1938, to Joseph Sylvester Van Kirk and Helen Louise Flory of Lisbon, Ohio.
In 1956, at the age of just 17, he began his service in the U. S. Army during the Korean War, ending his service in 1959. His love of country, which continued throughout his life, was only dwarfed by his love for his family.
He was the brother of seven siblings, preceded in death by brother Bill and sister Mary Louise; survived by Lewis (Linda) and Carolyn Keslar (Bill), Rebecca Van Kirk (Hinchcliff) and Rick Van Kirk
He met His wife, Venora, in West Middlesex, Pennsylvania, in 1968, and married in 1969. While living in West Middlesex, Joe worked at National Castings in Sharon, Pennsylvania. They had two daughters, Danielle Van Kirk and Sonia Van Kirk (Millett). After the closing of the steel mills, they moved to the Carolinas in 1984. He worked in maintenance until he retired in the early 2000s.
He leaves behind a loving family: his wife, Venora; his two daughters, Danielle and Sonia (Richard); his five grandkids: Gregory (fiancé Devin), Terry, DeAnna (Husband, Carter), Alana, and Mitchell as well as his great-grandchild, Colton, born of DeAnna and Carter.
Joe loved to camp from a young age. He traveled throughout the eastern part of the USA and enjoyed different campgrounds. Joe loved the times he was able to take either his children or grandchildren camping. The time he spent with the grandkids hiking, fishing, and biking was definitely the highlight of his life. In the off-season of camping, Joe would be found either on the soccer fields or basketball courts watching his grandchildren play. The other joy of his life was spending time on the marching band field watching competitions. He also enjoyed riding horses as a young man.
Joe and Venora went on two mission trips. The first was to Panama and then to Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. He volunteered at homeless shelters in uptown Charlotte. Joe had a passion to help others in need and to spread the Word of God whenever he could. He and Venora attended The Shield Catch the Fire, where his Faith grew deeper.
Joe will be missed, but his love and influence on those in his life will forever be felt. His faith in God and the Lord Jesus took him through his marriage, raising his children, and watching his grandchildren grow up. He was a great husband, dad, and grandpa, and his memory will never be forgotten by family, friends, and neighbors. For Love for God, family and Country are Words of Wisdom and to live by this daily.
Service will be held at Shield Church at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, October 16th, 2499 Firetower Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29730. Flowers will be received at the church Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings from 8am till 12pm. A dinner will be held at the church after the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at About Face 4 Vets, an organization to help get homeless veterans off the streets and learn how to transition back into civilian life.
https://aboutfaceforvets.org/