Keith Kirkman

Keith Lester Kirkman, 76, of Traverse City, died Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the Munson Hospice House. He was born on June 2, 1949, in Richmond, Indiana the son of Kenneth Miller and Bertha Elouise (Sink) Kirman.

He graduated from Hagerstown High School in Indiana. Keith later attended Edison State College in Piqua, Ohio to learn the trade of Heating and Cooling. He was a self-taught plumber and took numerous courses in Plumbing and Heating. Keith owned Kirkman Plumbing and Eel Service for over 42 years in Plumbing and Septic Service in Greenville, Ohio.

In his youth he loved cars, especially his 55 Chevy. Keith loved watching and attending NASCAR racing. He attended over 30 races and one year attended the Daytona 500 race.

He attended the Faith Baptist Church in Greenville. Keith was very active in teaching the 4 and 5 years olds in Jr. Church. For several years he ran the sound system for church services. Keith was active with the children by coaching the church softball league. He also was a softball and baseball umpire through the State of Ohio. Keith later attended the Bible Fellowship Church in Greenville where he mentored children in the Awana Club. Keith and his wife moved to Traverse City 10 years ago and attended East Bay Calvary Church, Traverse City.

Keith is survived by his wife, Mary Lou (Baker) Kirkman; they were married on June 14, 1969, at the Lynn Nazarene Church in Lynn, Indiana; son, Dewayne (Bethany) Kirkman of Traverse City and Marcie (Brian) Johnson of Apex, North Carolina; and grandchildren, Connor, Chloe, Emily and Taylor.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Contributions may be made to the East Bay Calvary Missionary Fund.

Visitation will start at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 11, 2025, at East Bay Calvary Church. The celebration of life will start at 12:00 noon with a luncheon will follow. Graveside Services will be held at 3:00 pm at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

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