Kirk Binion

On September 9, 1962 there was an eruption into time and space ordained by the Almighty God; in the person of Kirk Douglas Binion. Kirk was raised in a Bible believing, Christian home. He was richly influenced by the teaching and preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Kirk was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother Missionary Louise Shelton and grandfather Bishop Elva Shelton. Kirk accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior, receiving the righthand of fellowship in the Church of the Living God CWFF, Temple #203. He was baptized by his grandfather Pastor Bishop Shelton. Kirk was active in the church throughout his journey. He realized and often spoke that the building was not the church, rather He was the church (Matthew 10:18). Kirk never met a stranger. He was consumed by love and friendship. His daily mission was to pray and bless someone, anyone he met along the way. He gave so much of himself and touched soooo many people, regardless of race or ethnicity, career or professional. After graduating from Hazelwood East High School, Kirk went on to continue his studies at Tennessee State University in Nashville. At TSU he pursued a double major in mass communication and music education, with certification for teaching. He received a scholarship in music from his freshman through his senior year. Kirk’s first and most dear love was music. In his junior year, while attending the “Big Ten Competition” hosted by the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Kirk won the award for the most outstanding drum soloist. He was a proud member of the TSU Aristocrats concert, marching, and jazz band. After leaving TSU Kirk joined a traveling band “Between the Two”, with whom he traveled all over the United States and also performed in Greenland. In 1995 Kirk was inspired by a local radio host to pursue a career in the fine arts, music, entertainment and theater which sustained him for over 23 years while holding down a successful and rewarding career at Boeing Company (formerly known as McDonnell Douglas). Kirk retired from Boeing on September 30, 2014 after 25+ years of service. Kirk heard the call and he answered the will of God. He triumphed over this earthly journey as suddenly as his entrance into time. His earthly journey ended, leaving to cherish the memories of a life well spent and a race well run: devoted parents Deacon Buford and Rev. Sonja McClendon; devoted brother Buford McClendon Jr. of Phoenix, Az; special nieces Jernia Davis of St. Louis, Mo. and Dejaté McClendon of Columbia, Mo.; devoted nephew Tyriq McClendon of St. Louis, Mo.; and a host of other relatives and many special friends. Kirk’s final testimony was “It’s a blessing to be covered by the Blood.”