Kirk Barnes Knipp

Obituary
Knipp, Kirk Barnes

Born Feb. 17, 1959 Hoag Hospital, Newport Beach. Died Feb. 21, 2012, Fort Worth, Texas. A victim of melanoma, but his suffering was short lived. He grew up in Costa Mesa, attending Prince of Peace Lutheran School through 6th grade, and then attended public schools. He graduated from Costa Mesa High School with high scholastic recognition. He ran with the Cross Country Championship Team during his last two years.
In his senior year he received an appointment to West Point Military Academy. He began his 24 yr. military career one month after graduation. His fondest memories of West Point included the return of the U.S. hostages from Iran to West Point, hosted by the cadets and shaking the hand of President Ronald Reagan and speaking to him when receiving his diploma.
Upon graduation Kirk was assigned to an armored brigade stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas, Ft. Irwin, CA and then to Germany. He served a special assignment to Saudi Arabia and returned to Camp Mabry, Texas for his last 2 years in the service. He continued to live in Austin after his discharge.
In 2008 Kirk made a decision to serve his Lord by entering the ministry. He began his new career by entering the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary at Fort Worth, Texas. This was a very happy and productive time for him with his studies and also in ministering his beliefs in his community, prisons, disaster areas, missions, etc. He would have graduated this spring. The Seminary has awarded Kirk his Masters Degree in Theological Studies posthumously.
Kirk is survived by his father Don; stepmother, Ann; brothers, Todd and Paul; niece, Delaney; nephews, Kellen, Tucker and Joe. Plus the hundreds of Kirk’s extended family in Texas and in his “Facebook” Community.
There were 2 memorial services held in Texas.
To Southern California relatives and friends of Kirk Knipp, please join us for a “Celebration of Life” at the Knipp family home in Costa Mesa on Saturday 3/24/12. This will be an Open House between 1:00pm and 5:00pm in a casual “Stories of Kirk” atmosphere that he would have thoroughly enjoyed.
Please call or leave a message with Fabi at 714/595-5139 to RSVP, directions and information.