Kirby Lee Balke, 56, of rural Marshall, MO, went to his Heavenly home on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home in Marshall with William W. Harlow officiating. Burial with military rites will follow in Ridge Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family and an online guestbook is available at www.campbell-lewis.com
Born July 31, 1969, in Carrollton, MO, he was the son of the late Jerry Lee Balke and Judy Pierson Balke who survives of rural Malta Bend. Kirby lived in Saline County most of his life and was of the Baptist faith. He served in United States Army and was honorably discharged on September 15, 1988. Kirby had worked for Telecom West, Stellar Group Inc., various construction and farm jobs through the years, but his favorite was working at Truman State Park Marina. He enjoyed collecting antiques and tools.
Just two days prior to this death, on Sunday, April 5, 2026, he was honored to marry his love of the last 11 years, Shauna Plummer Lash.
In addition to his mother, Judy, and his wife, Shauna; he is survived by their four children: Amanda Gibson of Slater, Josh Smith of Marshall, Bradley Palmer of Marshall, and Keith Banty of Marshall; 11 grandchildren: Ziiryn, Brynlee, Spencer, Bailee, Gourney, Jaylen, Geneva, Audreanna, Chloe, Tanner, and Jace; his sister, Naleen Fletcher (Sonny) of Marshall; two nephews, Kannon Fletcher (Amanda) and Keaton Fletcher, both of St. James; a great-niece, Brooke; a great-nephew, Gage; as well as other extended family and friends.
Kirby was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Balke; and a son, Damien Brown.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
