Louis (Sonny) Kirby Jr.

Lovingly written by family.

Louis (Sonny) Edward Kirby Junior, 82, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, November, 5, 2026. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories as well as his wife, Alieca; sons, John, Jimmy, Louie, Brad, James, and Baron; one son, Michael, and one brother, Bob, preceded him in death; one daughter, Shanna; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one sister Claudia.

Sonny lived a full life operating businesses in Fayetteville, AR, Lubbock, TX, and Joplin, MO. He enjoyed traveling and made multiple trips to California, Las Vegas, and eventually travelling RV style over most of the country with his wife. Sonny met Alieca in 1987 and they were mostly inseparable from that moment on and married in August of 1995. They celebrated 31 years of marriage this year.

No one could accuse Sonny of being boring! He shined on the dance floor, knew how to use and hammer and nails, dreamed about being a professional golfer, and found a way to have fun in whatever he was doing.

Sonny attended Labette Community College on a football scholarship and played quarterback until he threw out his knee. He served in the US Army and was sent to Vietnam. He later developed Parkinsons Disease due to exposure of Agent Orange. He never let it stop him from being the father, husband, and grandpa he knew they needed. Sonny leaves behind a legacy of friendship, love, humor, pride in his children, and a life filled with compassion, hard work, and genuine love for others.

Everyone who knew him will miss his silly grin when he was teasing, his easy-going way of tackling problems, his loyalty, and those crazy songs he liked to sing. So handsome, strong, dependable and kind; he will be sorely missed. But those who knew and loved him will have many memories to keep in their hearts and to share with others.

Rest well Sonny, until we meet again.

A Memorial Service will be at 2:00pm, Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at Royal Heights Methodist Church, 1612 Euclid Ave, Joplin, MO 64801.

Arrangements in care of Ozark Memorial Park.