Kirkman, Robert E., 88, of Louisville, passed away Wednesday, September 14, 2016 from complications of Parkinson’s disease.
Bob was born in 1927, son of Reverend and Mrs. Roscoe Kirkman of Indianapolis, graduated from Manual High School and enrolled in Butler University in 1945. After receiving an appointment to the Naval Academy, he felt the calling to enter Christian ministry. Bob graduated from Christian Theological Seminary in 1952 and was ordained and married to Bonnie Hardin of Salem, Indiana.
Bob assumed the pastorate of Edenside Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky that same year. Bob was a preacher, pastor, and leader in bringing persons of different practices and ideologies to work together in Christian service. Bob was active in Louisville area ministerial associations his whole ministry. He was active in regional ministries of the Christian Church in Kentucky, and was one of the authors of the constitution of the Christian Church in Kentucky and its first President in 1960. He then served as the Parliamentarian for the Regional Christian Church in Kentucky and the General Assembly of the Christian Church in the United States and Canada.
Christian Theological Seminary conferred an Honorary Doctorate in 1967, and he later served on their Board of Trustees.
Bob was one of the founding pastors of the Highlands Community Ministries in 1970 to provide an ecumenical church partnership to serve the Highland’s community. Today there are over 14 similar community area organizations in the greater Louisville area to minister to people’s needs.
Following a 35 year ministry at Edenside Christian Church, Bob became the Director of the Downtown Louisville Campus of the Christian Church Homes in Kentucky until his retirement in 1993. In his retirement, Bob continued to be active in interim ministries.
Giving thanks for Bob’s life are Bonnie, his wife of 64 years; sons Paul (Ellen)and David (Nani); brother, Bill (Ruth); grandchildren Ashley (Tom), Jonathan (Ashley), and Jackson; three great-grandsons Hudson, Caleb, and Colin; and step-grandchildren and a step-great-grandson.
His memorial service will be at 3:00 pm on Sunday, September 18, 2016 at Hurstbourne Christian Church, 601 Nottingham Pkwy. Visitation will be from 3-7 pm on Saturday at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road. Private entombment will be at Resthaven Cemetery.
Memorials can be sent to the Permanent Fund of Hurstbourne Christian Church or to the Christian Church Foundation.

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