Kirby Gene Iselt

July 13, 1939 - October 8, 2016

Kirby Iselt, a life-long resident of Texas was an avid student of history, including his own. He was born July 13, 1939 to Ellen (Hoppe) and Lester Iselt in Bellville Texas. The timing of his birth and fascination with his family in the military evoked an intense passion for all things WWII. As he grew older, he amassed a collection of military antiques that he treasured and displayed privately and publicly. Coupled with his incredible sense of history and geography, Kirby delighted in having hearty discussions of war battles.

In addition to history, Kirby spent many years in service both to his country and his community. He actively served in the U.S. Army from 1959-1961; his duty in Gelnhausen was extended as the Berlin Wall was constructed. He particularly enjoyed his time in Germany because it allowed him to locally explore his family’s genealogy.

Kirby spent 32 years in educational leadership where he had significant influence on many high school students in the Spring Branch, Klein, Spring, and Katy districts. He also played an active role in the Boy Scouts of America as a leader and participant of service projects. In later years, Kirby delighted in interviewing potential candidates for Boys’ State for American Legion Post 164.

Kirby deeply loved his family and the traditions that were celebrated. He adored his son Kurt whom he had with his first wife Carol and later embraced Kurt’s wife Chia Lun Chung and their children Kai and Mei Ellen. After his marriage to Claudia in 1988, Kirby became a loving and involved stepfather to Bruce and his son Austin as well as to his step daughter Angela and her husband Nic. Kirby was a gentle giant of a man to all who were close to him leaving a positive imprint on their lives.

As a man of God, Kirby found spiritual strength at Lakewood church – not only from the services but from the dedicated compassionate members who befriended him.

Kirby often fashioned himself as a raconteur as well as a great joke teller. The Multiple System Atrophy that attacked Kirby’s body in recent years limited his movement and verbal ability. Through it all, he maintained his sense of humor and his love of God, family, history and service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you send gifts to the American Legion Katy Post 164 In Kind Scholarship Program for Boys State.

Friends are invited to visitation with the family on Thursday, October 13, 2016 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am in the Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am in the Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors. Graveside services will follow at 2:30 pm at the New Ulm Cemetery, New Ulm, TX.