Celebration of Life planned for Dayton radio broadcaster Steve Kirk

WHIO's Lou Emm (left) and WING's Steve Kirk.

Credit: GEORGE W. HELLMUND JR.

Credit: GEORGE W. HELLMUND JR.

WHIO's Lou Emm (left) and WING's Steve Kirk.

A Celebration of Life ceremony in memory of well-known Dayton radio broadcaster Steve Kirk will take place 4-7 p.m. Monday, May 13 at the Polen Farm, 5099 Bigger Road in Kettering.

Kirk died Feb. 8 at age 91. He began his 37-year radio career as a $235-a-month morning-show host at a station in Bellaire, Ohio, and made his Dayton debut on WING-AM (1410) in 1966.

During his 25 years at WING, Kirk, who also worked at radio stations in Cincinnati and Columbus, was known for his humor and willingness to make personal appearances. He retired in 1998 and for many years lived in Ponce Inlet, Fla.

Kirk told the Dayton Daily News when he was inducted into the Ohio Radio-TV Broadcasters Hall of Fame in Nov. 7, 1999, “Just think, me and Phil Donahue in the Hall of Fame. I never thought it was possible.”

In their statement about the loss of their beloved “Kirkie,” Kirk’s family said to “keep his loving and devoted wife of 30 years, Mary Wellmeier Kirkpatrick, and his two daughters, Amy Kirkpatrick and Casey Kirkpatrick in your prayers.”

In related news, the 2024 Dayton Area Broadcasters Hall of Fame ceremony will be held Thursday, Sept. 5 at NCR Country Club, 4435 Dogwood Trail in Kettering. A red carpet event will begin at 6 p.m. followed by the induction ceremony at 7 p.m. This year’s inductees are Guy Fogle, Chuck Hamlin, Mick Hubert, Jamie Jarosik and Tom Michaels.

About the Author