John Joseph Kirchin

After a long and happy life, retired railroad engineer John Kirchin, 97, made his final crossing on December 17, 2016 (long long short long). John and his twin brother, Bill, were born on March 11, 1919, in Salisbury, North Carolina, to British immigrants, Mary Elizabeth and Joseph Kirchin. Except for his military service during WWII, he lived his entire life in Salisbury. He joined First Presbyterian Church as a young boy, and there he raised his family, taught Sunday school, served as a deacon, and walked his daughters down the aisle. He was a member of the Everyman’s Bible Class that recently constructed a wheelchair ramp to his home. In the last few years he enjoyed attending the First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte in his pajamas (via television). After he returned from the Army, John was smitten when his sister-in-law introduced him to her co-worker at Woolworths, Janie Alsobrooks. They married in 1949 and settled in Fulton Heights where they lived among kind neighbors for many years. John and Bill owned and operated a drycleaners and Salisbury’s first laundromat on the corner of Harrison and Fulton Streets. He has been a member of the local Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen since 1946, serving many years as its Secretary-Treasurer. He retired from Norfolk Southern in 1985 after 45 years. Many know John as an avid, above-average, and humble golfer, and a follower of Braves baseball and Carolina basketball. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janie, whom he missed daily; by his long-time companion, Louise Walser; his parents, and three brothers. He is survived by his children: Steve Kirchin (Cynthia) of Pageland, SC, Ann Adkins (Les), of Austin, TX and Susan Weston (Cory) of Wilmington; grandchildren: Karen Kirchin-Wooley (Jason), Matt Adkins (Tiffany), Kirchin Weston, and Alice Weston; great grandchildren: Molly and Jordan Adkins; many nieces, nephews, and their families; and cherished caregiver and friend, Beth Rhymer. The family will receive friends from 11:30 AM -12:30 PM Monday (Dec. 19) at the residence. A graveside service will be conducted at 1 PM Monday at Chestnut Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Robert M. Lewis and Rev. Dr. Tom LaBonte, officiating. Military Graveside Rites will be conducted by the National Guard and Rowan County Veterans Honor Guard. Memorials: First Presbyterian Church of Salisbury, 308 W. Fisher St., Salisbury, NC 28144 or First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, 200 W. Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28202, The Salvation Army, 602 Bringle Ferry Rd., Salisbury, NC 28144; or Rowan Hospice and Palliative Care, 720 Grove St., Salisbury, NC 28144.

John Joseph Kirchin

March 11, 1919 - December 17, 2016