Christopher Robert Kirby, 58, died in his sleep on March 18, 2025.
Chris was a 1984 graduate of Dickinson High School, Dickinson, Texas. He attended Sul Ross State University, Alpine, Texas, graduating in 1988, with a degree in range animal science.
“Kirby,” at 8 years old, began spending every summer at Prude Ranch, making Fort Davis his permanent home after college graduation. He pursued his lifelong dream of managing ranches and cattle operations in West Texas until his “retirement.” Chris was extremely knowledgeable with native plants, animals and artifacts, and if he didn’t know something, he’d make it up, captivating his audience until he broke down in laughter.
His devotion to family, friends, his work and his community as well as his quick wit and humor will be terribly missed.
Chris is preceded in death by his parents: mother, Barbara Peterson House; father, Robert Roy Kirby; and stepmother Margaret Engeron Kirby.
He is survived by his stepfather, Samuel Giles House; stepsister, Lynn House Scanlon; sister, Lisa Kirby Berne; brother-in-law, Eric Berne; nephews Cooper and Gage Berne; brother, Robert Ross Kirby and sister-in-law, Rachel Winn Kirby, and their children; uncle, Jim Peterson, wife Ginny and daughter Katy Brown.
A celebration of Chris will be held this summer in Fort Davis, Texas
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at Mobile Mortician of Texas’ web site: www.mmoftexas.com.