Joseph C. "Sonny" Kirby, 88, of Ewing, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at his residence.

Born in Fleming County on February 7, 1936, his father was the late Joseph D. Kirby and his mother was the late Blanche Opal Kegley Kirby.

Sonny was the owner-operator for Carnation Company in Maysville for 20 years, for Barber Cattle Company, for Bluegrass Pre-Casts, and for Haynes Trucking out of Lexington.  He was a farmer.  He was a lifelong member of Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

Sonny is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jackie Galligher Kirby; his son, Billy Joe Kirby and wife Karen; his daughter, Paula Soister and husband Michael; his five grandchildren, Kelly (Jay) Ridings, Courtney (Josh) Gray, Paige (Shannon) Hephner, Christian (Makayla) Soister, and Chad (Megan) Kirby; his four great grandchildren, Maddox Ridings, Makenzie Kirby, Ethan Gray, and Scarlet Jade Hephner;  his two sisters-in-law, Eddis Hester and Scottie (Louis "Sy") Brown; along with several nieces, nephews, and a special niece, Sharon Lightner.

In addition to his mother Blanche and his father Joseph, Sonny was preceded in death by his two sisters, Irene Newman and Bernadette McIntyre; and his brother-in-law, Douglas Hester.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Fr. Phil DeVous as celebrant.

Sonny will be laid to rest in rest in Elizaville Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Christian Soister, Chad Kirby, George Lightner, Ted Perkins, Scott McIntyre, and Terry Newman.  Honorary pallbearers include David Fleming, Jimmy Fleming, Mollie Appleman, David Appleman, Gene Schwartz, Mike Rinehart, and Don Stitt.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m., until the hour of service at 11 a.m., Saturday, at Saint Charles located at 211 Mount Carmel Avenue, Flemingsburg, Kentucky 41041.

Please consider a donation in memory of Sonny to the Cancer Care Club.

Boone-Nickell Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Friends may offer online condolences at www.boonenickellfuneralhome.com