Kirk Selvey

(From Knell Mortuary)

Mr. Kirk Edward Selvey, age 59, passed from his earthly home to his eternal heavenly home in the early morning of Monday February 9, 2015. Kirk was the first child born to William Edward and Clarice Lamay (Smith) Selvey on December 7, 1955 in Joplin, MO. Kirk attended Webb City, MO elementary schools and graduated from Webb City High School in 1974. He participated in Webb City High School athletics of football, basketball, and baseball. Kirk enjoyed coaching youth baseball as a young adult. He also attended Missouri Southern State University over the years, earning credits toward a teacher education certification.

On June 11, 1983 Kirk married the love of his live, Kathy Dalton Selvey. Kirk and Kathy settled in Carthage to raise their family of three precious children. Kirk was employed by Consumer’s Market for 17 years (1977-94). Kirk worked for some years in a variety of jobs, including Carthage Cerebral Palsy Center, Leggett-Platt, Serv-Pro and as a DJ at KOMO Radio. He then obtained employment with the Carthage R-9 School System (1998-2014) as a paraprofessional at the Carthage Junior High School, then later on as a teacher assistant and as assistant to the director of the Virtual Learning Center. Working in education was a perfect match for Kirk’s special sense of humor, love for youth, and strong desire to help young people who were struggling or striving to overcome challenges. His years in education were very rewarding to him. He looked forward to school every day and to the start of a new school year every year. Kirk attended Webb City First Baptist and Emmanuel Baptist churches as a youth. He raised his family in the Carthage First Baptist Church and enjoyed working in Royal Ambassadors and as a Sunday school teacher. In recent years, Kirk enjoyed attending services and classes at Saint Paul’s Methodist Church in Joplin, MO. Kirk’s hobbies and interests included reading works of history and politics, watching sports, spending time with his family at weekly Sunday dinners, and watching old movies and old sitcoms. He was a devoted supporter of his children’s education and recreational activities. Kirk was a member of the Missouri State Teacher Association and the Joplin Elks Lodge.

Kirk is survived by his wife of 31 years, Kathy Dalton Selvey; his three children Kara Selvey Patterson (Colby), Kyle Edward Selvey (Nichole Gust), and Kreg William Selvey (Rena Carter). Kirk is also survived by his father William Edward Selvey and step-mother Leona; two sisters Vickie Selvey Ezell and Anissa Selvey Shumate (Will); nieces Kathy Ezell Spruce (Justin) and Crystal Dalton Gore (Brandon); nephews Brad Ezell and Steven Gregory Dalton; and many treasured friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Clarice Smith Selvey, and his two nephews Keith Curtis and Kenny Curtis.

Kirk’s visitation service will be Wednesday February 11, 2015 at Knell Mortuary in Carthage, MO from 6-7PM. His memorial service will be held Thursday, February 12, 2015 at the First Baptist Church in Carthage, MO at 4:30PM. Honorary pallbearers are David James, Jeff Davis, Kerry Story, Ed Arner, Brad Ezell and Justin Spruce. Memorial gifts are suggested to the newly established AIM (Academic Instruction Motivation) Program at the Carthage Virtual Learning Center. Memorials can be mailed to the Carthage R-9 Foundation (memo: AIM-Kirk Selvey), 800 Grant Street, Carthage, MO 64836.  The program is dedicated to student encouragement, graduation, postsecondary planning, and scholarship opportunities in honor of the VLC BLESS Squad; Barb Graue, Leigh Coleman, Ed Arner, Kerry Story, and Kirk Selvey, in care of the Carthage R-9 Foundation. Online condolences may be expressed at www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary, 308 W. Chestnut Street, Carthage, MO. - See more at: http://www.knellmortuary.com/displayobit1.aspx?callid=1704#sthash.Kd6HY4Ju.dpuf