ZEIGLER - Max Dale Kirk, 67, passed away after a courageous fight with cancer at 10:25 a.m. Sunday, March 10, 2013, in Herrin Hospital, surrounded by his family. Max was born Nov. 15, 1945, in Galien, Mich., to Alvis and Grace (Hammonds) Kirk. He married Debbie J. Atkins Aug. 23, 1980, in Mulkeytown. They spent the next 32 years enjoying their marriage and raising a family. Max was a professional truck driver for more than 25 years and enjoyed all aspects of automotive repair. He especially enjoyed sharing his knowledge and was widely known as the neighborhood mechanic. He also loved to fish, cook and spend the day outdoors with his family and many friends. On Thanksgiving, Max often cooked extra dinners to help families that otherwise do without. He was a friend to everyone and quick with a joke in any situation. Max welcomed all into his backyard, where he often held court with his humor, friendship and love. A friend to Max was a friend for life. To see Max in his best moments was to see him with his grandchildren. He loved and adored all five of his children, but seemed to be reborn with his affection for his grandkids. He made each one feel special because each was special to him. Paw-Paw will be greatly missed by all of them. Survivors include his wife, Debbie Kirk of Zeigler; three daughters and sons-in-law, Connie and Phil Penley and Lori and Adam Gatz, all of Sawyer, Mich., and Stephanie and Michael McCluskey of Zeigler; and two sons and a daughter-in-law, Justin and Teresa Cocke and Ricky Kirk, all of Zeigler. Max is also survived by his wonderful grandchildren, Chloe McCluskey, Olivia and Madeline Wilson, Noelle Cocke, Evan and Grace Gatz and Kynzi Kirk; six sisters, Violet, Betty, Janice, Linda, Judy and Maxine; three brothers, Farrell, Jake and Bill; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Carol. Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, in Zeigler Cemetery with Brother Don Wright officiating. There will be no visitation. Family and friends are asked to gather at the cemetery prior to the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Kirk are suggested to Max Kirk Memorial Medical Fund, c/o Herrin Security Bank, 114 W. Monroe St., Herrin, IL 62948. Vantrease Funeral Homes, Inc. of Zeigler and Royalton is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.vantreasefuneralhome.com for more information and to sign the online register book. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on March 12, 2013