Visitation:
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Secor Funeral Home
Plymouth , OH
Service:
Thursday, April 15, 2021
11:00 a.m.
Secor Funeral Home
Plymouth , OH
Kirby Martin Nesbitt, 99, of Plymouth Ohio, passed away on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Ashland, Ohio, just one month shy of his 100th birthday. He was born May 8, 1921 in Blooming Grove Township, Ohio, to the late Harland Roscoe and Mary Ethel (Westfall) Nesbitt. Kirby lived a full and active life of service to his family, his faith, his community, his country and his career.
Married to Dorothy (Rolston) Nesbitt for 57 years, Kirby was a beloved, tireless and recognized member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Plymouth; the Plymouth American Legion; The VFW; the Owls Club, Willard Moose Lodge and Willard Elks Club. He demonstrated his commitment to the community by serving on the Shiloh Village Council for 12 years and as a charter member and former president of the Plymouth Area Lions Club and as District Lions chaplain.
During World War II, Kirby served his country in both the Infantry and Military Police branches of the U.S. Army, deploying to North Africa and the European Theatre. He participated in the invasions of Southern Italy, Anzio, and Southern France before ending his military service in Innsbruck, Austria by receiving an honorable discharge.
In 1940, Kirby began his career with the former Fate-Root-Heath Company in Plymouth holding many positions, including Field Engineer; Sales Manager; Division Manager; and Director of Sales in the Ceramic Machinery Division. Later, he became Vice-President of the Energy Division of Banner Industries of Cleveland. In 1987, he began consulting for Plymouth Locomotive Internationals Fate International Ceramic Machinery Division and retired in July, 1999. He traveled extensively and made many friends throughout North America. He served for eight years on the Ceramic Manufacturing Association Board of Directors and for 25 years as a member of the Canadian Ceramic Society. In 1991, Kirby was elevated to Fellow in the American Ceramic Society, one of many accolades during his distinguished career of nearly 60 years.
Kirby Nesbitt never met a stranger. He could talk to anyone about anything; so, he talked to everyone about everything. A natural historian, he documented every occasion with photos and letters. He was a consummate gentleman. He was kind and selfless. He was quick to share a laugh and a smile. He woke up each day with a purpose and he lived his life caring for others.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; brother Delmar Lee Nesbitt; sister Bernita Goth; and son-in-law James Garland Russell. He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Lynn (Nesbitt) Russell of Lexington, Ky.; and his granddaughter, Heather Nesbitt (Ben) Russell-Simmons of Louisville, Ky. He loved his family dearly.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 14 from 3-6 p.m. at the Secor Funeral Home in Plymouth, Ohio, where the funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 15th at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Blanche Tyree officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Shiloh, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the Plymouth Area Lions Club at 4650 Henry Road, Shelby, Ohio 44875, or to the Good Shepherd Home at 622 Center St., Ashland, Ohio 44805. Online condolences may be made at www.secorfuneralhomes.com