William Ross

Kirch

William "Bill" Ross Kirch, age 89 passed away on April 14, 2024 in Springfield, MO.  Bill was born on June 16,1934 to William Earl and Esther Kirch in Patterson, New Jersey.

After he graduated from Dunellen High School in 1952, he joined the USAF.  He achieved the rank of First Lieutenant in 1955 and piloted B-29 planes. While he was stationed in San Antonio, Tx, he met and married Naomi Jo Creason.  They were married 67 years at the time of his passing.

When his USAF enlistment was over, Bill and Naomi moved to Austin, Tx.  Bill graduated from UT with a mechanical engineering degree.  They lived in Texas for many years.  He was very involved with Boeing and the Apollo Space Program in Houston, TX.  Their home for more than 40 years was in Southwest City, MO, where his passion was gardening and studying God's Word.  They were members of the First Baptist Church, Southwest City, MO.

Bill was predeceased by his granddaughter, Morgan Kirch.

Bill is survived by his wife Naomi and their five children: Linda Giddens (Mike), Ross Kirch (Cheryl), Scott Kirch (Stacy), John Kirch, David Kirch (Gwen).  He is survived by grandchildren, Andrew Elkins, Amy Walley, Michael Kirch, Calyn Kirch, Alyssa Graff, Lily Jones, Lena Kirch, and Mason Green.  Great grandchildren are Roman, Levi, Renee, Ruby, Noel, Caleb.  Bill is also survived by his sister, Joan Thompson and her daughters, Cindy, and Beth Ann. Also survived by his nephew, Steve Creason.