Kirby Wald

(From Knell Mortuary)

Kirby Allen Wald, 51, of Joplin, Missouri, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at his home.

Born on January 25, 1975, in Joplin, Missouri, Kirby lived life fully, loved fiercely, and never met a stranger. To know him was to laugh. He had a larger-than-life personality and a rare gift for turning even the most ordinary day into one worth remembering. Whether he was telling one of his legendary stories, cracking jokes, singing karaoke, pulling a prank, or simply being his goofy self, Kirby had a way of bringing joy wherever he went. He could make an entire room laugh in moments and somehow make everyone feel like they belonged.

Those closest to him often called him 'the man, the myth, the legend,' not because of what he owned or what he accomplished, but because of the impact he had on the people around him. Kirby made life better. He made hard days easier, good days better, and every gathering more memorable simply by being present.

At the center of Kirby's life was his unwavering faith in God. His relationship with the Lord was not something he reserved for Sundays. It guided every decision he made and every person he encountered. He believed wholeheartedly that the church was not a building but the people themselves, and he lived that belief every day through love, compassion, generosity, and service to others. His faith was evident not only in his words but in the way he treated everyone he met.

Many knew Kirby as the owner and operator of Wald Heat and Air. What began as a dream grew into a successful business through hard work, perseverance, determination, and an unshakable trust in God. He built his company from the ground up, earning the respect of customers and the community through honesty, integrity, and a commitment to helping others. To Kirby, business was never just about making a living. It was about serving people and doing right by them.

More than anything, Kirby was a caretaker of people. If you were family, a friend, a customer, or even someone he barely knew, he showed up when it mattered. He had a servant's heart and an incredible ability to put the needs of others before his own. If someone needed help, Kirby was already figuring out how to make it happen. If there seemed to be no solution, he somehow found one.

He was the kind of man who would literally give you the shirt off his back if it meant helping someone he loved. He never kept score, never sought recognition, and never expected anything in return. Taking care of people wasn't something Kirby did; it was who he was. Family and friends knew they could call him at any hour, and he would be there. Whether it was fixing something broken, offering advice, lending a hand, or simply sitting with someone through a difficult time, Kirby made people feel supported, valued, and loved.

While motorcycles brought him joy and adventure, they were never the defining part of his story. The true love of Kirby's life was his daughter, Rylee. Rylee was his pride and joy, his greatest accomplishment, and the center of his world. Nothing mattered more to him than being her father. The love he had for her was evident in everything he did. Her successes were his celebrations, her struggles were his burdens to carry, and her happiness was his greatest reward. His face would light up whenever her name was mentioned, and anyone who knew him knew that his love for Rylee was limitless.

Kirby also cherished every moment spent with family and friends. He loved gathering with the people he loved most, sharing stories, creating memories, making people laugh until their stomachs hurt, and reminding everyone around him not to take life too seriously. His presence was a gift, and his laughter was unforgettable.

He is survived by his children, Anthony Childs, Madison Anderson, Rylee Wald, Deon Shields, Cory Prevost, Avien Shields, and Hannah Ruark; his grandchildren, Remington Childs, Blake Childs, Jaylah Prevost, Aurora Cooper, and his soon to be granddaughters Avani Shields and Alayah Shields; his mother, Rebecca Cook; his stepfather, Joseph Wilson; his sisters, Kimberly Bradley (Jeffrey), and Elizabeth Cook; his brothers, Jonathan Wilson (Armando) and Spencer Askins; along with countless extended family members and friends whose lives are better because they knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father, David Lee Wald, and his brother, David Allen Wald and granddaughter Khelani Rein Shields. Although our hearts are broken by his passing, we find peace knowing that the faith Kirby carried throughout his life has now become sight.

He wasn't just the man, the myth, the legend. He was the one who showed up. The one who helped when nobody else could. The one who made the impossible possible. The one who loved God with all his heart, loved people without condition, and loved his daughter beyond measure. And that is how he will be remembered.

Forever Loved. Forever Missed. Forever Remembered.

A visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Knell Mortuary in Carthage. A private family graveside service will follow. A celebration of life will be held after the services and will be announced by the Knell Mortuary. Online condolences, contributions, or flowers may be expressed through Knell funeral home at (417) 358-2105 or online at www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.