Obituary
Kirby D. Vanatta, 81, of Greenwood, Missouri passed away on Monday February 24th, 2025 at his home. Kirby was born to Tom and Leola Mae Vanatta on May 28, 1943 in Moran, Kansas. He was the second oldest of seven brothers and 3 sisters.
Kirby joined the Army Reserves in 1963, serving in Fort Dix, New Jersey and Fort Jackson, South Carolina. After his Honorable Service, Kirby returned to Lee’s Summit and on October 10, 1964 married Dorothy J. Prier. Throughout his working life, he was employed at Hallmark Cards, H&R Block, Western Electric, AT&T, and was Director of Maintenance at Signature Properties. Kirby devoted his life to service as a member of Sertoma Club, Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, Meals on Wheels, was a Big Brother in the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Program and an active member of The Summit Church. Also, Kirby was a devoted blood donor, he had a goal of donating 200 times. Almost reaching that goal he donated 196 times and with that saving 588 lives.
Kirby was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Leola Mae (Zornes) Vanatta, and his brother, Randy Noel Vanatta.
He is survived by his loving wife Dorothy J. Vanatta, Loyal Furry Companion Lily, Brother George (Janice) Vanatta, Brother Melvin (Glenda) Vanatta, Sister Helen Franco, Brother Rex (Kristine) Vanatta, Brother Max (Kim) Vanatta, Sister Betty (Steve) Reeder, Brother Richard Vanatta, Brother Joe (Alisha) Vanatta, Sister Sara (Geoff) Miller and an abundance of nieces and nephews.
Services for Kirby will be in the care of Langsford Funeral Home 115 SW 3rd Street Lee’s Summit, Missouri 64063. Visitation will be held on Monday March 3, 2025 at 12pm with the funeral following at 1pm. Graveside services will follow at Greenwood Cemetery (Ranson Road).
In lieu of flowers family requesting contributions to the KC Pet Project and The Summit Church.
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Services
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with Kirby at the Ritz reunions at Montauk State Park, Licking Mo.. He was a great man and cousin that I’ll always remember.. Prayers for Dorothy and the rest of the family, we will be praying for all.. God bless you all..
To a dear friend and fellow Lions Club member may you rest in peace.Bob Hayter
Kirby was one of the nicest fellas I ever met at the plant, he always had a smile on his face. I never heard a negative or foul word come out of his mouth. So sorry to hear about his passing Condolences to his wife and family.
I knew Kirby through the Lions Club for several years. He was an honorable man who cared for others with deep passion.
Kirby was a very kind-hearted, loving man. We always enjoyed listening to his stories. He made us feel comfortable and was definitely easy to talk to. He will be greatly missed, until we see him in heaven some day. Prayers for you Dorothy. Love you!
Condolences to Dorothy & families
We enjoyed Kirby who was a faithful member of our Western Electric, AT&T, Lucent, Retiree’s monthly get togather at Mc Donald’s Harrisonviille,Mo. He was a great guy & we will miss him. VICTORY in JESUS !!
Dorothy, I am so sorry for your loss. Remember John 14:1-3. My heart is with you in this time of sorrow.
Kirby, your friendship was a light in my life, and the wisdom you shared will stay with me always. You taught me the importance of kindness not just in words, but in actions. You showed me that patience, understanding, and a good heart can go a long way in making an impact on the community. Our Condolences to Dorothy and the families from the Chavez Family
I never had the chance to meet Kirby however worked many years with his wife Dorothy who was and still is a friend no matter what happened at Pfizer she was on top of her game and never let the job get the best of her.