Earl Kirchhoff

Earl Wilbur Kirchhoff died of natural causes Friday, April 9, 2010, at the Lutheran Home, Cape Girardeau.

He was born Sept. 29, 1919, son of Rudy and Lovie Kirchhoff. He was married to Drucille Davenport 54 years, and they had three children: Stephen, Sheila, and Shanon.

Mr. Kirchhoff began his working life as a carpenter and was a builder/developer of many residential and commercial real estate properties. His business career also included ownership, partnership or co-founder of the following: a grocery store, a bakery, Dixie Cream Donuts, a Farmers Insurance Group Agency, Missouri Fidelity Life Insurance Co., A&W Drive In, KGMO radio station, Atlas Plastics, Rhea Optical, Cape State Bank, an Angus ranch, and Gaslight and Star-Vue Mobile Home Park.

He was a purser and pharmacist mate while serving in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He made several trips on Liberty Ships crossing the Atlantic and the Pacific; he was extremely proud to have served and humbled to have survived.

He was an enthusiastic member of several local civic and charitable organizations, and served as a founding member, board member, or officer of most including St. Andrew Lutheran Church, the Lutheran Home, Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, Salvation Army, Jaycees and Southeast Missouri State University Boosters. He loved his community, his church and his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife; a brother, Clyde; and grandson, Michael.

He is survived by his children, two grandchildren and a soon-to-be great-grandchild.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Andrew Lutheran Church.

Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. today at St. Andrew Lutheran Church.

There will be a brief service at 7:15 followed by coffee and sandwiches in the social hall.

Graveside service is for the immediate family.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.