Byron A. “Barney” Kirkum, 76, of RD 3 Box 383 Sinking Valley, died Saturday, November 29, 2003 as the result of an automobile accident on Kettle Road, Altoona.
He was born February 4, 1927 in Allen, Michigan, a son of the late Alpha and Gertrude (Horton) Kirkum. He married Ruth C. (Frederick) Gurekovich on June 8, 1970. Mr. Kirkum retired from the maintenance department of Martin Oil Co., Bellwood after 25 years service. He was also employed at the Experience Works at Ft. Roberdeau, Sinking Valley, through Blair Senior Services.
He attended Grazierville United Methodist Church. He was an Army veteran of WWII, serving as a Sgt. in the European Theatre. Surviving are his wife, three daughters: Nancy McNelis of Pleasant Gap, Barbara Kirkum of LaPlata, MD, Lorrie Keesler of Quincy, Michigan, two sons: Bentley of Allen, Michigan, Barry of Jackson, Michigan, one step son: William Gurekovich of New Britton, Conn., and three step daughters: Sally Pruitt of LaPlata, MD, Caroline Flegal of Altoona, Deanna Cortright of Belleview, Michigan, one grandson, three step grandsons, three step granddaughters, one step great grandson, and a sister, Ogie Clark of Coldwater, Michigan.
There will be no public viewing. The family will receive friends from noon until 1 p.m. today at the Daniel R. Myers Funeral Home, 501 Sixth Ave., Altoona, PA. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. today at the funeral home by the Rev. J. Jones, with interment in St. John’s Cemetery, Sinking Valley.
