Willis Kirby

Willis B. “Roger” Kirby, 79, of Platte City, Missouri, formerly of Dunkirk, Indiana, passed away peacefully at 12:55 p.m., Monday, March 18, 2019, while in the company of family members at the North Kansas City Hospital, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Roger was born in Muncie, Indiana, on Dec. 14, 1939, a son of the late Nora Elizabeth (Baker) and Aryle C. Kirby. Roger was a 1958 graduate of Dunkirk High School. He formerly worked at Armstrong Cork, in Dunkirk, Indiana, and The Kansas City News, but was most remembered for his professional wrestling career that took him across the globe.

Roger was the loving husband of Lila R. (McDonald) Kirby, who he happily married on April 4, 2003. He loved NASCAR, pro football, the Kansas City Chiefs, traveling and country music.

Roger dedicated more than 25 years to the professional wrestling craft where he was known as “Nature Boy Roger Kirby.”

Roger is survived by his lovely wife Lila; three sons, Rick Kirby, David Catherall and Liam Catherall; three daughters, Samantha Kirby, Dreama Morris and Darla Kincaid; one brother, Gerald Kirby (wife: Sandy); a sister-in-law, Mary Kirby; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Theresa (Catherall) Taylor and one brother, Virgil Kirby.

Friends are invited to call Sunday, March 24, 2019, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at MJS Mortuaries – Redkey Chapel. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 25, 2019, at 11 a.m. at MJS Mortuaries – Redkey Chapel. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Muncie, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Riley Children’s Hospital.