Herman was born on May 16, 1928, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He was the oldest of five children, Cordelia ("Cordy/Baby Sis") (deceased), Theoplis (deceased), Ataloa ("Bobbie Jean"), and Floretta born to the union of Herman Hovis Kirby Sr., and Mintha Ruth Green Kirby. Both parents preceded him in death. Herman was driven by the pursuit of excellence, a trait that he learned from his parents. He demonstrated this characteristic trait in both his personal and professional life.

As a child, Herman attended public school at Saint Mary. He graduated from Manual Training High School. After graduation, he married Sophia Jolly. They had five children, Herman III, Sharon, Paula Rene, Raymond, and Pamela. During their marriage he joined the United State Army.

Herman was a dedicated patriot. He served in the U.S Army for 21 years. He earned the position of Sergeant 1 ^st Class. He was a Master Chef and prepared meals for Generals.  He served in the Vietnam and Korean Wars. During this time, he was awarded four Bronze Stars. Due to his exemplary service, he was chosen to be a military guard for First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy. After he retired from the U.S. Army, he relocated to Los Angeles and joined his sisters. He was employed by the United States Postal Service, where he retired after 20 years of service. He was an outstanding employee, and his co-workers gave him a retirement party to honor his excellent work ethics.

In addition to being an Army Veteran and U.S. Postal employee, Herman Jr. was also an active Mason. He belonged to the Trinity Lodge #84 and the Sanhedrin Consistory #36.

In 1989, Herman Jr. became the senior patriarch of the Kirby family. He maintained the family's sense of pride and purpose. He inspired the generations of Kirby's to continue the legacy that Herman and Mintha had established. He was truly loved and respected by all generations.

After his retirement from the Postal service, Herman returned to Muskogee to live. He attended Peter's Chapel A.M.E. Church. He was a faithful member (Trustee/Steward) until health issues prevented him from attending. Due to the onset of Alzheimer, Pamela and Drew relocated to Oklahoma and Herman lived with them until he transitioned from his earthly body to his heavenly spirit. On January 4 ^th , in the presence of his loving family, Herman answered the call of our Heavenly Father, taking him to his final reward. God gave the Kirby family a precious gift for ninety-four years.

Herman Jr. leaves to cherish his loving memories: Sons- Herman III (Gennie), Raymond (Shanonne-deceased); Daughters- Sharon Payton (Fontayne Sr.), Paula Rene Rahmaan (Master W.), Pamela Miller (Andrew); Grandchildren- Herman IV, Kevin Williams (Diana), Brittany Williams, Prince Williams (deceased), Tre'Von Kirby, Te'ja Kirby, Kenon Payton (deceased), Tisha Marie Payton, Fontayne Payton Jr.; Great Grandchildren- Jasmine Williams, Jaspar Williams, Zhane Williams, Messiah Williams, Isaiah Williams, Kayne Kirby, Kayden Kirby, Koda Kirby, Chimere Onyenegecha; Sisters- Ataloa Leffall and Floretta Reed, along with a host of nieces, great nieces, great-great niece, great-great-great niece, nephews, great nephews, great-great nephews and friends.

Special thanks to Herman's Home Health Aides: Shelby Champ, Domonique Green, Millenium Hospice, and Lodge Brother Larry Foye (Loretta).

The Final Salute for Herman will commence on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 2:00 PM in the most holy sanctuary of Harvest Ministries Church, 2200 E. Okmulgee Street. Pastor Lester Beasley is the Gracious Host, and Reverend Leonard Shepherd will render the Eulogy.

You may visit Mr. Kirby as he slumbers in peaceful repose in the People's Chapel of the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., of Muskogee on Friday, January 13, 2023 between the hours of 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM.

The Memorial Service for the Masonic Ritual will be on Friday, January 13, 2023 beginning at 6:30 PM in the People's Chapel of the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., of Muskogee. The public is welcome to attend.

The Christian Committal will take place on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at the Tenth Hour at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, where full Military Honors will rendered at this time.