Harold Wright (H.W.) Kirby, 81, of Canyon died Thursday, August 5, 2004 at BSA Hospice surrounded by his family. Services will be held Monday, August 9, 2004 at Brooks Chapel in Canyon, 11:00. He lived in Canyon for 3 years, having previously lived in Midland and Monahans. He was a member of the Church of Christ. He graduated from Monahans High School and had just celebrated a reunion with the class of 1942. He was born to Annie Beulah (Anderson) and Barney Gibbs Kirby on December 7, 1922 in Houston, TX. He married Louise Veronica Engling on December 16, 1943 in San Angelo, Texas. When Meme died they were just 3 weeks shy of their 60th wedding anniversary. Papaw was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Nothing pleased him more than to be surrounded by his family. He and his faithful dog Honeybee were involved in the pet therapy program. They lived at Conner House Assistive Living in Canyon where they entertained and charmed staff, residents, and families. Their mutual admiration and love for others touched many lives. Patriotism to America, honesty, and integrity were important values to Papaw and he taught them to all his family. He was dedicated to preserving the constitutional freedoms of all Americans. He served his country in the United States Army Air Corp from October 24, 1942, receiving an Honorable discharge on November 26, 1945. He was stationed in San Angelo, Houston, and Wendover, UT. He served on Tinian, South Pacific with the 1st Ordinance, 509th Composite Unit. On Tinian, in the Marianas, he worked in what was then called the Final Assembly building for the atomic bomb. When the bomb left the building, it was loaded on the Enola Gay. Papaw was a Patron member of the National Rifle Association, Texas Police Association, Texas Sheriff"s Association and was a dedicated volunteer fireman for many years in Monahans, Texas. Harold and his wife Lou lived in Midland for over 20 years where he was Chief electrical inspector for the city. They were members of the Good Sam Camping Club and were dedicated to the promotion of family time around the camp fire. Harold and Lou lived in Monahans over 30 years where they reared their four children. He owned his own business and worked for the city as health, electrical and sanitation inspector. He was also Fire Marshall for many years. They had numerous friends and loved the small town life Monahans offered, participating in all town activities. Papaw was preceded in death by his wife, Lou (Meme), in November of 2003, as well as a sister Vida Iola and a brother Jack Kirby. He is survived by four children, Anita Bissett and husband, Geoff of Brownfield, Jerry Kirby of Atlanta Texas and daughter-in-law Carolyn Kirby of San Angelo, Dee Kirby of Abilene, and Teena Hall and husband Dennis of Canyon. Grandchildren include: Clayton Bissett of Abilene, Todd Bissett (Rachel) of Amarillo and Kaela Bissett of Lubbock. Tracy Porras (Albert) of San Angelo, Tanya (Brian) Thornburg of Anna Texas, and Terri (Gary) Pittman of San Angelo. Amanda Sappington (Jarrett) of Canyon, Kendra and Kathlyn Hall of Canyon. Great-grand children Chynna and McKenzie Kinnermon, Dakota and Skye Louis Porras He is also survived by a nephew, Nelson Kirby of Midland, and numerous cousins from Lometa, Texas. Memorials may be sent to Baptist St. Anthony"s Hospice in Amarillo or the Adams Anderson Scholarship fund or the Basketball Athletic Program at Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas.