The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ken Kirk, Co-Captain of 1959 National Champs, Passes Away
11/18/2009 | Athletics
TUPELO, Miss. - Kenneth Henry "Ken" Kirk, 71, who was co-captain of the Ole Miss football team that earned a share of the 1959 National Championship, passed away Monday at North Mississippi Medical Center following a brief illness.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Tupelo Chapel. A grave side service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Glenwood Cemetery in Tupelo with Bobby Ray Franklin, Bill Cossitt and former Ole Miss Chancellor Robert Khayat officiating. Holland Funeral Directors, Tupelo Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
A native of Tupelo, Kirk earned three letters while playing center and linebacker for three of Coach John Vaught's greatest Ole Miss teams. During his three varsity seasons (1957-59), Kirk helped lead Ole Miss to a 28-4-1 record, including Sugar Bowl wins over Texas and LSU and a Gator Bowl victory over Florida.
Kirk played prep football at Tupelo High where he was a Scholastic All-America pick, while also being named All-Southern and All-Big Eight. He earned four high school letters in football, two in baseball and one in track.
Following high school, he enrolled at Ole Miss on a football scholarship. A converted fullback who made the switch to center at mid-season in 1957, Kirk was also a star linebacker for the Rebels.
After his outstanding career at Ole Miss, Kirk played in the 1960 College All-Star Game in Chicago, Ill., joining fellow Ole Miss teammates Billy Brewer, Bobby Ray Franklin and Robert Khayat on that squad which faced the National Football League Champion Baltimore Colts. Kirk also played in the 1960 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., along with Rebel teammates Marvin Terrell and Cowboy Woodruff.
After being drafted in the 9th round, Kirk went on to play four years in the NFL, two seasons with the Chicago Bears (1960-61), one year with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1962) and one year with the Los Angeles Rams (1963), seeing action in 44 games.
Following his NFL career, Kirk had a long career as a real estate developer, property manager and construction company owner.
Survivors include his son, Dixon Kirk and wife Brett of Jackson; two grandchildren, Kendall and John Sharp; his brother, Al Kirk (Cindy) of Belden; his daughter-in law, Susan Kirk of Charlotte, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Hank Kirk; a brother, Dr. Bob Kirk; and a sister, Gene Still Thornton.
Pallbearers will be Bobby Ray Franklin, Glynn Simpson, Charlie Flowers, Marvin Terrell, Andy West and Bill Cossitt. Honorary pallbearers will be the 1959 Ole Miss Rebel football team, which is being honored prior to Saturday's home game against LSU.
Memorials should be made to Alpha House for Boys, 302 Franklin Street, Tupelo, MS 38804.