Charles Don Kirkes, Sr.

Charles Don Kirkes, Sr., 93, of Carlsbad, NM, passed away Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Lakeview Christian Home. Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 PM, Thursday, August 6, 2026 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM, Friday, August 7, 2026 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Michael Lee officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Gardens Memorial Park, Carlsbad, NM. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Charles was born December 19, 1932 to Jesse Simmons Kirkes and Julia Mae (Dawson) Kirkes. He was the baby of 13 children. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Charlie married Barbara Jean Cason May 29, 1963, here in Carlsbad. Charlie worked for O’Neal Motors for many years. He was born to be a salesman, known to sell anything. Charlie helped Barbara with estate sales and realized how much he enjoyed it. He ended up helping her for many years. Charlie never missed a day having coffee with his buddies, all starting at the North Y and more recently at McDonalds and Denny’s. He was a member of Paradise Chapel. Charlie was preceded in death by 7 brothers and 5 sisters and son-in-law Mike David.

Survivors are his beautiful wife Barbara Kirkes, children: Billy Jones and wife Vicki, Rita David, Vickie Prentiss and husband John, Nita Peacock and husband Randy, Donnie Kirkes; 16 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Clint David, Caleb Prentiss, Joe Rawe, Aaron Jones, Jack Kruegel, Chris Atwood, John Prentiss, and Randy Peacock. Honorary pallbearers will be great-grandkids and coffee buddies.