Jerome "Jerry" G. Kirkbride

Jerome Garfield Kirkbride, age 74, born in Zanesville, Ohio, on February 2, 1948, went home to be with The Lord on Monday, February 21, 2022.  

 Jerome, known by many as Jerry, proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. He dedicated the many years of his career to training and placing service dogs with non-profit organizations: Support Dogs for the Handicapped, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and Pilot Dogs. His work raising, training, and placing service dogs with paraplegic, quadriplegic and blind individuals provided these individuals with a higher quality of life, dignity, and an independence they would not have otherwise had. His life's work was truly one of service, and Jerry impacted hundreds of lives for the better.  

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Betty Kirkbride; daughter, Keri; son, Christopher; brothers-in-law, Jack Shepard and Jeff Jewell; great-niece, Allison; and sister, Shelley.  

Surviving family includes, children, Matthew (Kelli) O'Connor, Debra (Kevin) Wiseley, James (Wynter) Kirkbride, Eric (Jamie) Kirkbride; grandchildren, Matthew Jr, Elizabeth O'Connor, Matthew, Jamie, Ehlanna Thorn, Trent, Tate Berry, Abie, Elayne, and Estella Kirkbride; sisters, Donna (Rev Richard) Humphrey, Linda Jewell, Bobbi Kirkbride Dicks; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Per the family's wishes, cremation has been chosen. A celebration of life will be held Friday, March 4, 2022 at 12 p.m., at Burrell Funeral Services in Zanesville. Memorial donations may be made to k9sforwarriors.org in Jerry's honor. BURRELL FUNERAL SERVICES is serving the family.

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