Zachary Michael Kirby

Zachary Michael Kirby, beloved son, big brother, grandson, great-grandson, cousin, nephew and cherished friend, gained his angel's wings on March 30, 2022. He is now reunited with his father, Michael Lee Kirby, for eternity. He leaves behind a multitude of family, friends, and classmates to mourn his passing. Zach was a beautiful human being. He was kind hearted and loving, with an infectious smile and gorgeous blue eyes and thick eyelashes any girl would envy. He leaves a huge hole in the hearts of all who loved him and he will live on in our memories forever!

Zachary was born on March 31, 1999 to Chrissy Zimmerhanzel and the late Michael Lee Kirby in Austin, Texas.  He grew up in Smithville surrounded by a swarm of little cousins who idolized him.  He was the oldest of the bunch, and will be missed by them all, especially his sidekick Bentley Swinney, who claimed him as her own as soon as she could walk and talk.  He always had time for them, and the family time they all spent together will remain one of their fondest memories.

Zachary was an athlete! He loved sports, and started with Little League baseball, then Little League football.  In Junior High he played football and basketball.  Football was really his love, and he played all four of his High School years.  He was Junior Varsity Quarterback his Sophomore year, and led the Varsity team as Quarterback his Junior and Senior years.  The 2017 Tigers gave us all a year to remember!

Zach graduated from Smithville High School in May, 2018.  He went to work for Dynamic Systems in Austin in July, 2018.  He was a member of UA Local 286 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union.  He was an accomplished welder and was very close to obtaining his journeyman’s status.

Zachary was preceded in death by his father Michael Lee Kirby, grandfather Edwin Zimmerhanzel, Jr.;  great grandfather Van Kirby; and uncle Jason Wayne Erwin.

Zachary is survived by his mother Chrissy Zimmerhanzel Depine and her husband Mark; brother Lane Depine; sister Emily Depine; grandparents Wendy Boyd, David and Bessie Depine, Glenda Erwin, Michael Van Kirby and wife Cathy; and great grandparents Ravanell Kirby and Edwin and Donna Zimmerhanzel.  He also leaves behind aunts and uncles:  Ashley and Michael Swinney, Trey and Kara Zimmerhanzel, Josh and Nikki Zimmerhanzel, Asa and Christy Kirby, Matthew Kirby, and Sean Perry.  His cousins Averie, Easton, and Hudson Zimmerhanzel; Addison Daugherty; Bentley and Baylen Swinney; Tricia, Nathan, and Trevan Perry.  The rest those left to grieve for him are too numerous to mention!

Pallbearers will be close friends and members of his football team:  Kalob Jonas, Kolton McCullough, Earl MacIntyre, Reece Prokop, Kiki Trevino, Preston Bowles, Gavin Hargues, Kaleb Barho, Andrew Wyatt, Jayson Laake and Jacob Smith.  Honorary pallbearers will be :  Sean Perry, Trey Zimmerhanzel, Josh Zimmerhanzel, Michael Swinney, Steve Zapalac, Chad McCullough, Brent Kovar, Keegan Bledsoe, Sean Moyer, Jerry Haney, Brandon Grottle, Mike Hernandez, Coach Adkins, Coach Thomas and Coach Hodge.

"We are only on this Earth for a short time, passing through on our way to a better place."

Zach's time with us was way too short, but we take comfort in believing he is indeed in a far better place and at peace with his Father in Heaven. The family wishes to express our sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love you have shown to us during this horrible time in our lives. Zachary was so loved by all his family and it is so heartwarming to know that he was also loved by his friends and his community. May God bless you all!

Visitation will be on Monday, April 4, 2022 from 5 to 7, followed by Rosary at 7 at Marrs-Jones All Faiths of the Pines Chapel in Smithville.  A funeral Mass in celebration of his life will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church,  204 Mills Street, Smithville.  Interment will follow at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery in Kovar.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Zachary to the Zachary Kirby Memorial Scholarship Fund.  This Scholarship will be awarded each year at graduation to an outstanding member of the Smithville High School Football Program.  Please contact Ashley Swinney for more information.