George "Weldon" Kirby

Former Lometa Mayor George “Weldon” Kirby, 80, of Lometa died Aug. 1, 2013, in Granbury. Mr. Kirby was born June 27, 1933, in Lometa to Arthur Gaylian and Helen Margueritte Todd Kirby. They ranched in the Senterfitt community, as did the early Kirby settlers. Mr. Kirby grew up on the ranch and attended school in Lometa where he was class president all of his high school years. After graduation, he received a bachelor of science from Abilene Christian University. Mr. Kirby enlisted in the Army and was a company clerk in Chicago. He was discharged in 1956. He worked a short time at Lometa Cattle Auction. In 1957, Mr. Kirby earned a master's degree in education from Sam Houston State University, and he moved to Gustine where he taught vocational agriculture for six years. Mr. Kirby was the founder of the Gustine Rodeo, and was named its parade grand Marshall in 1998. In 1963, he returned to Lometa to join his father in the ranching business which included interests in Texas and South Dakota. Mr. Kirby married Margie Guesner on Aug. 24, 1979. In 1984, the couple started Kirby Stone Company, and they ran it until it sold in 2004 due to Mr. Kirby's progressive illness. In addition to ranching, Mr. Kirby was active in civic affairs. Along with serving as Lometa mayor, he was a lifetime member of the Lometa Lions Club, a member of the American Legion, and a member of the Lometa Independent School District Board of Trustees. Mr. Kirby was an active member of Lometa Church of Christ where he was a song leader and elder. He also was a member of the Part Time Players, a community theater group. In 1990, Mr. Kirby was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and the couple became actively involved with the Michael J. Fox Foundation and met the actor, also diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, on a trip to New York. A music lab was established in Mr. Kirby’s honor at the Lometa School for the life-long contributions made to the school and its students. Mr. Kirby was preceded in death by his mother, father and brother John R. Kirby. Survivors include his wife, Margie of Lometa; his children Vickie Kirby Speck and husband Bob; Kimberly Kirby Becker and husband Lynn; Arthur Kirby and wife Deanna; Greg Guesner: Gayle Guesner Proctor; Ginger Guesner King and husband Kyle; Jimmy Ray Kirby and wife Lissa. His grandchildren Jenny Speck Williford and husband Peyton; Chad Speck and wife Steffanie; Jake Speck and wife Emily; Abbey Speck; Brandi Becker Foster and husband Chris; Chelsea Becker Sowards and husband Alec; Allie Becker; A.G. Kirby, Anna Kaye Kirby, Carmen Kirby DeVille and husband Shannon; Jennifer Jurrius, Gretchen Guesner, Gina Guesner, Greyson Guesner, Dustin King, Parker King, Kaden King, Michael Brand and Marissa Brand. Rezarta Stefani Malcolm, Arjet Skenduli, Redi Karameto, Jared Kiddoe. Great Grandchildren Cade, Reid, Audrey Belle and Sydney Rose Williford; Cole, Cooper and Callen Speck; Nash and Noah Speck; Mazzie Paige and Grayson Foster, Gabriel and Devany Guesner and Riley Landon. He is also survived by his two sisters Floriece Kirby Ladyman and husband Bill; Nancy Kirby Collins; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation Sunday 8-4-13 from 6-8 p.m. and Funeral Mon 8-5-13 at 9 a.m. Lometa Church of Christ.