David Austin Kirk, 66, of Jasper, TN died suddenly on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 following a horseback riding accident.

The son of the late Robert Bruce and Ella Mae Collins Kirk, he was recently elected Mayor of Marion County after serving sixteen years as Marion County Trustee. He attended Marion County schools where he played football and basketball and was a member of the MCHS Hall of Fame. He was selected as "Best Professional Baseball Prospect" at Abe Zarzour's Baseball Camp in 1962 and went on to play baseball at MTSU where he earned his Bachelors and Masters Degrees. He continued to play baseball and softball in the Sequatchie Valley area for several years.

After graduation, he was a successful teacher and coach at Whitwell and Stevenson and helped several young men earn college football scholarships. David loved his players and his students, but demanded discipline and respect.

He enjoyed the camaraderie watching UT football games on TV at his farm with his courthouse friends and buddies who had recently jokingly called the farm "Camp David" and their Saturday afternoon football sessions "Summit Meetings."

David loved his family and especially his grandchildren. For many years, he enjoyed raising cattle and horses, farming and gardening - tending the same garden spot where, as a young boy, he had helped his Mom and Dad. His loss leaves a void in the hearts and lives of his family, co-workers, and the people of Marion County.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Gayle Collins Kirk; sons, Jackie, Allen and Mike Kirk all of Jasper; sisters, Elizabeth K. Hasty of Jasper and Freda K. Winter of Huntington Beach, California; brothers, Charles Bruce Kirk of Jasper and Dr. R.E. Kirk of South Pittsburg; two grandchildren; Bailee and Brett Kirk of Jasper; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted from the First Baptist Church in Jasper at 10am Central time on Saturday, November 13, 2010 with Reverend David Clay officiating. Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, November 11, 2010 from 6-9pm Central time and on Friday, November 12, 2010 from 4-9pm Central time at Rogers Funeral Home in Jasper.

Memorial contributions may be made to Marion County Sherriff's Needy Christmas Fund c/o Bo Burnett, 5 North Oak Avenue, Jasper, TN 37347or Kennedy's Warriors, c/o Mark Griffith 204 Betsy Pack Drive, Jasper, TN 37347.