Mr. Emmitt L. Kirby

May 17, 1940 Emmitt Lockett Kirby Sr. was born, the 13th of 14 children to Oscar and Corine Kirby. Emmitt accepted Christ at an early age. He was a former member of Mt. Corinth Baptist Church in Hempstead, Texas. In his high school, Sam Schwarz High, Emmitt was very popular and was known as the best dancer around. Emmitt had a magnetic personality and an electrifying smile. When he walked into a room it was instantly brighter. He garnered a multitude of nicknames; many such as, Emsaw, Dog-man, Horse, Emmitt-Emmitt, E.L., Kirb, his favorite of all was being called “Paw Paw”. Emmitt attended and graduated from school in Hempstead in 1957, where he played football and basketball. He also completed 3 1/2 years of college at Prairie View A&M University. He was studying industrial engineering. While attending Prairie View, Emmitt met the girl who would later become his wife of 50 years, Eva Elaine. They are the proud parents of four children; Two daughters, Monica (Adrian) Caldwell, Ingrid Kirby Joubert (deceased), two sons, Emmitt Jr. (Crystal) Kirby, and Sean (Monique) Kirby. Emmitt was introduced to hard work at an early age from working in the fields with his father and other siblings. He worked off and on as an ILA longshoreman with his older brothers. He also worked as a bus driver for Rapid Transit Bus Company and Hou-Tran. Emmitt is the true definition of a self-made man. Emmitt went on to create, own and develop the E.L. Kirby Trash Co., Inc. in Houston, Texas. During which time he employed many people from the community. Many times he helped people to get back on their feet after facing adversities and just had nowhere else to turn. He never judged anyone and was always ready to lend a helping hand or an attentive ear. He owned and operated Kirby Trash for over twenty years, after which his sons carry on his legacy to this day. Emmitt’s success in life and business came from believing that he could make his dream a reality, focusing on that idea, withstanding all the obstacles, and much opposition. After retiring, he and his wife settled on a farm where he raised a few horses and cattle. He enjoyed the country lifestyle free from all the hustle and bustle of the city. This was also a place where his grandchildren could run free and he could teach them about the country life, such as riding horses, fishing, and riding tractors. He hosted many family reunions because family was the most important thing to him. He was the life of the party, and the best story teller ever. Emmitt is loved by his entire family. He is preceded in death by his brothers - Oscar L. Kirby, Paul Kirby, Sr., Ernest Kirby, Clarence Kirby, Albert Kirby, Sr., and Herbert Kirby, Sr.; and sisters - Mildred Barrs, Ida Gibson, Maxine Owens, and Phoebe Rose. He leaves behind his loving wife and siblings - Charlotte (Dale) Bean, Hersey Kirby Gibson-Allen, and Samuel (Dorothy) Kirby. Grandchildren include Tanyelle (Dominique) Coleman, Jumarcus Mason, Emmishae Kirby, Xavier Kirby, Ashlynn Caldwell, Adrionn Caldwell, Bryce Caldwell, Jelisa Fields, Caressa Caldwell, Emmitt Kirby III, Landen Kirby, and Lathan Kirby. Great-Grandchildren include, Kaydence Coleman and Karter Coleman; and a host of nieces and nephews, as well as family and friends.

Mr. Emmitt L. Kirby

May 17, 1940 - May 19, 2015