THEBES, Ill. -- Elvis Ray "Bud" Kirby, 68, of rural Thebes died Sunday, June 24, 2007, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born April 15, 1939, in Gale, Ill., son of the Rev. Robert Ray and Pansy Prater Kirby. He and Kathryn Knupp were married Oct. 14, 1960, in Thebes, Ill.

Mr. Kirby was lifetime owner of Kirby and Sons Lumber Co. in Thebes, retiring in 1996. He was a member and deacon of Beechgrove Baptist Church in Thebes.

Survivors include his wife; two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Lisa Kirby of Thebes, Tony and Paula Kirby of Miller City, Ill.; three daughters and sons-in-law, Robin and John Bruer of Thebes, Susan Diane and Randy Cain of Tamms, Gayla and Jason Warren of Tamms; a brother, Lee Kirby of Thebes; a sister, Hester "Sis" Williams of McClure, Ill.; five granddaughters, four grandsons; two great-granddaughters, a great-grandson; nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Jones Funeral Home in Tamms.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Revs. Kenny Wilson and Lacie Betts officiating. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery at Thebes.