Kirby Von Shouse
Kirby Von Shouse
1/22/1953 – 5/2/2019
After a long 8 year battle with cancer, Kirby finally gave up the fight and moved on into the next world. He was an outdoorsman, dedicated bee keeper, scuba diver, Harley rider,
Certified hypnotist, Harmonica player, self proclaimed pirate and lately guitar player. Cancer managed to steal many of these things from him but he fought on and added new interests as time went on.
Kirby was born in Hannibal MO and moved to St Louis at a young age. He graduated from Ritenour Sr Highschool and attended St Louis Community college.
Predeceased by his parents Minis William Shouse, Jr and Kathleen (Hurst ) Shouse , a brother Lee E. Shouse and beloved niece Gretchen (Shouse) Baker. He is survived by his sister Marcy (Berry) Shouse Stebbins, a brother Craig Shouse , niece Kimberly (Stebbins) Lumsden, nephews Michael Stebbins and Christian Shouse as well as many great nieces and nephews. He was Uncle Kirby to countless friends. A big kid disguised as an adult, many children recognized him for what he really was and had a special connection with him. Adults recognized him as a true and stalwart friend.
He will be remembered by friends and family as funny, sardonic, tough on the outside and loving and caring with a huge heart on the inside.
Cremation has taken place and in lieu of a formal funeral we ask that you raise a toast to his memory and wish him well on his journey to the next life. Please feel free to share your memories and comments on his facebook page.
Memorials can be made to Five Acres animal Shelter
What a crazy man. He will be missed by all. Much love to him and his family. On to the next adventure, Kirby.
I met Kirby while attending night classes at Columbia College. I think about him every Thanksgiving because of his extra part in the movie “Planes, Trains, and automobiles” at STL. Thought I would look him up online. Sad to have found him here. Only knew him for a short while, but it was great. He made me laugh. I will toast him today.
I just found out that Kirby passed away last May. I am so sorry to his family for their loss. I knew Kirby from Hoech Jr High, and then at Ritenour – graduating with him in June, 1971. It pains me that I didn’t know he was sick, and that I didn’t get to say goodbye to him. He was a great “soul searcher”, and was a “One of a Kind” human being. His physical being will be missed, but I’m sure that Kirby in all around us, if we just listen.
May you Rest in Peace, Kirby!
Kirby was one of the very few loves of my life. We met in college, but i was engaged to someone else. He told me ,
“If your situation ever changes, look me up.” Six years later, he was the first person I called when i ended that relationship. We dated for over 2 years. We spoke about marriage. I had the pleasure of meeting his Mom, Craig and Christian. He taught me so many things. He made me step way outside of my comfort zone. He left me poetry and letters that I will always treasure. He was and will always be thought of as a special soul. He was definitely a man who loved with his whole heart. He will be remembered with love.