Chaplain (Colonel) Warren Edward Kirby, Jr, US Army (Retired), aged 69, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 31 in Woodbridge, Virginia.
Born October 1956 in Alexandria, Virginia, Warren was the son of Warren Edward Kirby, Sr and Alice Faye Kirby and a cherished brother to Curtis Kirby and Tim Kirby. After completing his undergraduate degree at Southeastern University, Warren started his military career as a reservist while attending seminary. Upon earning his Master of Divinity degree from the
Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Warren entered the United States Army Chaplain Corps.
Over a distinguished 35-year military career, Chaplain Kirby rose to the rank of Colonel, a testament to his exceptional leadership, intellect, and profound spiritual guidance. As a “full bird” Colonel, he managed not only large-scale religious support operations across commands; he remained a trusted advisor to senior commanders and a steadfast shepherd to thousands of soldiers and their families during their darkest hours.
As the Command/Garrison Chaplain, the senior religious support leader, Chaplain Colonel Kirby advised the command on religious, ethical, moral, and spiritual matters affecting the command. He provided religious and spiritual guidance and conducted and supervised chapel services to all military service members to include senior officers, civil servant employees and their family members, regardless of religion. He supervised and mentored many Chaplains and Chaplain Assistants who were assigned to various installations, (including his son on one assignment). He was a phenomenal Chaplain Resource Manager and offered prayers at various types of ceremonies.
For his meritorious service in Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo, Korea, and other locations, Colonel Kirby received numerous military decorations, including the Legion of Merit with two awards, the
Bronze Star Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal with seven awards. While we recognize these exemplary accomplishments, his wife is quick to point out that he cared more about his
soldiers than his awards.
Chaplain Kirby leaves behind a legacy worthy of emulation, a life of faithful service to God and country, and a powerful example for future generations of service members, spiritual support teams, clergy, and leaders. Indeed, his life was defined by the Chaplain Corps motto: Pro Deo et Patria—For God and Country.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Peggy, his two sons Warren Edward Kirby, III, and Nicholas Addison Kirby, brothers Curtis Lee Kirby and Timothy Scott Kirby, and parents Warren
Edward Kirby, Sr and Alice Faye Kirby, and numerous nephews and nieces.
Visitation was held on Friday, September 11 from 6-8pm and again on Saturday, September 12 from 1:30-2pm with a civilian funeral service at 2pm. The funeral service and visitations will take place at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, Virginia 20110. A military service with Full Military Honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, 18 November 2026.
