Trent Maynard Kirkes “Poppy”, a cherished husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away on January 10, 2025 at the age of 84. Trent was born on June 9, 1940 to Forrest and Jewel Kirkes. He grew up with his 5 siblings in Carlsbad but left home at 16 to cowboy at a ranch in the Guadalupe mountains. He later met his soulmate Sherlene Crutchfield-Kirkes. Theirs was a love story for the books – he swept her off her feet, marrying her on August 1, 1962 and then spending the next 62 beautiful years together. They later moved to their farm in Malaga where they raised their three children. Together, they created a legacy.
Trent was the true patriarch of his family, strong, hard-working, honorable and occasionally ornery. He had a story for every situation; you never knew if he was going to impart wisdom or make a joke. He loved fishing, hot-rodding and Sherlene’s cooking, especially her pecan pie. He never met a problem he couldn’t fix or anything he couldn’t build. He would move mountains for his family; he didn’t miss any of his grandkid’s important ball games – they would all tell you he was their biggest fan. Throughout his life, he held many roles: cowboy, potash miner, farmer, Ford house salesman, business owner, race car driver, grill master, mechanic, builder, master storyteller – he was larger than life and did it all; however, we know him best as Husband, Dad, Brother, Poppy and Friend. He had the drive, passion and wherewithal to succeed in anything and made life-long friends along the way. His seemingly gruff exterior didn’t fool anyone, he had the biggest heart and would do anything for those he called his own, especially his little chickens. Trent’s reach was far and wide; he touched so many lives and left us all with trinkets and memories that we will treasure. Trent will truly be missed.
Trent is survived by his loving wife, Sherlene Kirkes; brother, Glen Kirkes; son, Jeff Kirkes and his wife Carletta Kirkes of Abilene, TX; daughter Nina Melton of Carlsbad, NM; son-in-law James Strawbridge; grandchildren, Brandi McDonald, Aaron Kirkes, Eric Kirkes, Bryon Strawbridge, Lindsey Freeman and Cody VanNatta, as well as several great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Jewel Kirkes; brother, Don Kirkes; sisters, Lois Brookover, Faye Kirkes and Veda Jennings; and his first daughter, Jana Strawbridge, a chip off the old block.
Memorial service will be held January 18, 2025 at 10 AM at Heartland Funeral Home of Comanche.
