Kirby Lee Bumgarner went to be with his Heavenly Father on January 14, 2026, in Richland, Washington. He was 99 years old. Kirby was born on July 16, 1926, in Lubbock, Texas. During the hardships of the Great Depression, his family relocated to Grand Valley, Colorado, and later to Grand Junction, where they found work operating a farm. Those early years shaped Kirby into the hardworking, humble, and resilient man his family would come to know and love. As a young man, Kirby and his brother Skip did what they could to help make ends meet. Skip would play the guitar while Kirby sang on street corners, earning money through music and grit, a memory that reflects Kirby’s determined spirit and willingness to do whatever was needed for his family. Kirby proudly served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946. He served on the maiden voyage of the U.S.S. Lofberg (DD-759), traveling 30,043 miles across the Pacific, including stops in Hawaii, Japan, China, Korea, Guam, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. After his military service, Kirby returned to Colorado, and soon his family relocated to the Tri-Cities. He finished his diploma at Pasco High School in 1949 and began building his life in Washington, pursuing work in the Hanford area. Kirby held many jobs over the years, including work with the D&RGW Railroad, Hiener Milling Co., James Construction Co., and Standard Oil as a truck driver. In 1951, he began what would become a remarkable 37-year career at the Hanford Site with General Electric, serving faithfully as a Hanford firefighter until his retirement in 1988. The work required courage, commitment, and a steady heart, and Kirby carried those responsibilities with pride and honor. Kirby met the love of his life, Patricia (“Patty”), on the farm her childhood family leased, where Kirby worked briefly as a farm hand. They were married on November 19, 1950, and were blessed with 72 years of marriage. Together they raised three sons and built a home filled with love, laughter, and faith. Kirby was preceded in death by his beloved wife Patricia Bumgarner; his parents Grant and Christeen Bumgarner; sisters Shirley Wood and Zona Beth Ross; brother Grant Bumgarner Jr.; half-sister Juanita Whitesell; and half-brothers W.F. Knowles, Matthew Knowles, and Ovid Bumgarner. Kirby is survived by his sister Charlcie Leek; his sons Gene Bumgarner, Rick (Laura) Bumgarner, and Gary (Jan) Bumgarner; his grandchildren Bryan (Rhonda) Chapple, Tara Bumgarner, Amber (Greg) Vance, Matthew Bumgarner, and Michelle Bumgarner; and his great-grandchildren Dorian, Averi, Adaline, Kyla, Emma, and Coralee. After retirement, Kirby and Patty enjoyed traveling throughout Europe, Canada, and the United States. They loved camping, fishing, boating, and skiing across Washington and Oregon, with favorite trips to Mt. Rainier and Bumping Lake, special visits to Whistlin’ Jack Lodge, and time spent at Lehman Hot Springs in Oregon. They also cherished many chartered trips with Americana Tours. Kirby and Patty loved sports and made wonderful memories attending games and traveling together. They were proud season ticket holders for the Seattle Seahawks and the Tri-City Americans and also enjoyed Seattle Mariners baseball games. Later in life, they continued cheering on their teams from home.

Kirby found great joy in everyday life. He enjoyed cooking meals for family, trying new recipes, singing, telling stories, and spending time with his sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He and Patty especially loved hosting family gatherings, including regular Sunday meals that created a lifetime of memories. Kirby stayed active by walking the Richland dike with Patty and keeping busy with odd jobs around the home. In the last couple of years, Kirby especially enjoyed talking with his sister, Charlcie, and spending time with her both over the telephone and during visits at home, often sharing lunch together with her and his niece, Dana. He also looked forward to Sundays and weekends spent with his sons, who would come by to watch football games with him. Above all, Kirby was a man of deep and steadfast Christian faith. He loved the Lord and spent his later years watching his favorite pastors on television, sharing Bible stories and life stories from his childhood with others, and encouraging those around him through his quiet strength and unwavering belief. His family finds peace in knowing Kirby is now reunited in Heaven with Patty, loved ones who went before him, and most importantly, his Savior Jesus Christ. Kirby was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever honored.