of Sprindale, AR
October 27, 1937 - May 11, 2025
A love so whole, even death could not part them: Together forever with their Savior.
Dr. Marvin Norwood Kirk Jr. (October 27, 1937 to May 11, 2025)
Martha Catherine Kirk (July 11, 1935 to May 11, 2025)
On May 11, 2025, Dr. Marvin and Martha Catherine Kirk of Benton, Arkansas, went home to be with their Savior, hand in hand, just as they had walked through 64 beautiful years of marriage. Surrounded by their loving family, they departed this life together, leaving behind a legacy built on unwavering faith, unconditional love, and joyful service to others.
Married on January 27, 1961, Marvin and Martha lived a life that reflected the very heart of Christ, loving deeply, serving humbly, and walking faithfully through every season. Marvin is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Norwood Kirk, Sr. and Minnie Lea Dinsmore, his wife of sixty-four years, Martha (Grist) Kirk, their cherished son, Stephen Kirk and a sister, Bethel Bushmiaer. Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Hugh Still Grist and Ila (Grist) Jackson, their cherished son, Stephen Kirk, two brothers, Henry Jackson and David Jackson. They are all now reunited in glory.
They are survived by their children Ellen & Jeff Bearden of Springdale, Arkansas, Scott & Nicole Kirk of Girwood, Alaska and Jonathan & Kim Kirk of Irving, Texas, Marvin's sister, Sarah Saulsbery of Springdale; Martha's sisters, Dorothy Curtis of Paris and Marsha Brickles and husband, Michael of West Fork; Martha's brother, Frank Grist of Paris; along with their combined 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, each one a testament to their love and guidance.
Dr. Marvin Kirk served as a dedicated physician in Benton, Arkansas, operating his own private practice and caring for patients at Saline Memorial Hospital. He was deeply respected for his dedication, tireless work ethic, and servant's heart. To those who knew him best, he was also a gentle jokester, a lovable pest who could always bring a smile, though not always at the most appropriate moment, as Martha often reminded him with a well-placed kick under the table.
Martha Catherine Kirk began her career as a nurse, but her true life's work was in the home and in the heart of her community. She raised their children with grace and purpose and spent years volunteering for ministries and nonprofits, including CJCOHN (Churches Joint Council on Human Needs), helping those trying to rebuild their lives. Her kitchen was a ministry of its own, always open, always warm, and never short on food or love. She embodied Christ's love, welcoming the weary and feeding both body and soul without ever expecting anything in return.
Together, Marvin and Martha were devoted members of Highland Heights Baptist Church in Benton. Marvin taught men's Bible study with wisdom and candor, while Martha ministered faithfully through children's and women's programs. Their faith was not only professed but practiced, in quiet moments, in acts of generosity, and in the countless lives they touched.
A joint graveside service celebrating their lives will be held at the Mt. Salem Cemetery in Paris, Arkansas, on Friday, May 16th at 11am. It is a place close to their hearts, filled with cherished memories and generations of faith.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Marvin and Martha's honor to CJCOHN or the Highland Heights Baptist Church outreach ministries, continuing the work that meant so much to them both.
Though their earthly journey has ended, Marvin and Martha now walk in eternal light, together, forever, with their Savior.
Online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/paris
Pallbearers will be their grandsons, Benjamin Bearden, Ethan Kirk, and James Kirk and their Grand sons-in-law Derek Armer, Jared Gage, Christopher Robertson, and Corbin Leher.
After the service is a potluck and is open to anyone who wants to contribute a dish.
Sign Guestbook
16 Condolence(s)
Yvonne Limon
Sunday, May 18, 2025
To the Kirk family,I'm so sorry for the loss of you mom and dad.He was my doctor til he retired and I will forever be thankful for him on his day off he was hunting and I woke up with major breathing troubles and I called you mom and she called him home and he came to the office and treated me. And sent me to hospital. I feel like that day he saved my life. And I am forever grateful I pray for each one of you to get the comfort and strength to get through this difficult time.
Imelda McClinton
Thursday, May 15, 2025
My mother and Marvin's mother were Dinsmore sisters. Marvin and Martha were really fine people who truly cared about others and served the Lord all their lives. Their legacy is one of faithfulness.
Tammy Chaney
Thursday, May 15, 2025
I'm so sorry for your loss . Dr Kirk was a great physician and person .I went to school with his boys. I will be praying for your family for peace and understanding .
Becky Salley
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Butch and Martha were such a great blessing to my life. We will all miss them so much.
.arty and Rebecca Sharp
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
We were so blessed to have had them both in our lives. We loved them both and cherish our memories of them and their lives.
Joey and Beth Hutchison
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Dr Kirk and Mrs Martha will truly be missed! Ronnie Joe, Jeanne and Joey and I are sending prayers for the family !
Laura Strong
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
My cousin Butch was a mess !! Always a joke or a comment that Martha would get on to him for she tried to be his filter but it didn't always work ! I think I even smacked him a few times ! lol How amazing that they died together that really touched my heart ♥️
Renita Eubanks McDaniel
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
I just found out this morning of your great loss of both parents on the same day! I have always loved your parents and enjoyed seeing them in the clinic setting. My parents as well thought Marvin hung the moon and enjoyed countless hours at his office and home. We will continue to keep your precious family in our thoughts and prayers! 🙏🏻
Odessa Warren
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
I will miss him he always gave me a hard time. My condolences to the family. May God bless you all. 🌹❤️
Waynette Pelton Chapman
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Family friend and my Dr. He actually made house calls! He took care of me,my uncle Stanley and my aunt Janie and my mother who sent him ugly cards for his birthday. She was a woman of strength and grace. It is only fitting they went together to heaven.
Lucy Woodard Hyatt
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
I'm sorry for the loss of Dr. and Mrs. Kirk …I enjoyed lake trips with them and the gang …fun memories from my childhood living by Ellen and Jeff , helping Stephen with photo events & pulling people out of ditches in the snow with Jonathan .
Prayers for you all !
Peggy T. Roberson
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Ellen, Scott, and Johathan, this is hard to believe. Del and Marvin were such good friends as were Martha and I. The whole community will miss them, especially their church. I only received this sad news this marning and my heart goes out to all of you and your familiies. Please accept my most sincere sympathy.
Denny and Pat Dyer
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Dr. Kirk and his sweet wife were our neighbors. He always watched out for us. We have missed them since they moved. God rest and enjoy celebrating with Steven .
Michelle ward Cullen
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Kerry Hobbs
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. I loved Dr Kirk and Mrs Martha so much. He was always a mess and she was always shaking her head. Their love for the Lord was obvious. Prayers for you all.
Emily Callahan
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
They were truly servants to anyone and everyone. I had the pleasure of knowing them through church and worked for Dr Kirk for nearly 4 years. It was an unforgettable experience in that I learned so much from him. I have been blessed as my sons have been, knowing them.