Kirk Morehead

Nelson “Kirk” Morehead, age 65, of Grain Valley, MO, passed away peacefully at home on December 19, 2023, following a courageous three-year battle against appendix cancer.

Born on September 10, 1958, in Hannibal, MO, and raised on a farm in New London, Kirk was the son of Billy and Imogene (Harlow) Morehead. A natural leader from a young age, he excelled both as the quarterback for his high school football team and marched in the band, playing the trumpet during halftime at Mark Twain High School. His passion for farming was evident early on, but he pursued higher education at his father's behest, leading him to Central Missouri State University. It was there he met the love of his life, Cindy.

After graduating college with a degree in Agriculture Economics, Kirk began his career with Elanco/Dow AgroSciences as a sales representative, ultimately retiring as a District Manager with Mycogen Seeds. There, he built a strong team in his district. They referred to him as “The Legend.” He was all about developing his people to reach their highest potential, leading with a soft hand.

He and Cindy married on September 20, 1980. Kirk’s career took them from Red Oak, Iowa, where they welcomed their first son, Zachary, in 1983, to Columbia, Missouri, where Nickolas was born in 1990. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1995, the Morehead family settled near Lake Lotawana, Missouri and rooted themselves deep in the community.

Since 2016, he poured his heart into helping those in Kenya thru both Dow AgroSciences (Corteva) and AMPATH. This became his passion which led him and Cindy to start Chics for Chicks and build G-MARC Sexual Abuse Shelter in Eldoret, Kenya. This is the first shelter to bring awareness to the sexual abuse problem. The shelter offers counseling and safe housing for the victims until they can be placed back into a safe environment.

Kirk's life was defined by his unwavering faith in God and his passion for serving the community. He held numerous leadership roles and was actively involved in multiple community organizations, constantly striving to make a positive impact on those around him.

Kirk's energy and optimism were contagious, and he had an unparalleled ability to lift and inspire everyone he met. He formed deep, meaningful connections, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him. He was a teacher of men. He showed us not only how to live, but how to die to live again! He never wavered in his faith and remained focused on the power of the cross until his last breath.

His legacy is one of love and service to others.

Kirk is survived by his wife Cindy, two sons Zachary and Nickolas, Daughter-in-laws Michelle and Zoe Jo, Granddaughters Avery Jayne and Taylor Renee, Brother Michael and wife Sarah, sister Debbie and husband John Marten, Two Nieces Leah Sirois and Mallory Graves, Nephew Barrett Morehead, Great Nieces Jayna and Elsie, Great Nephews Luca and Alden Morehead, Two Brother-in-laws Kim and Tom Graves, Sister-in-laws Cheryl and Marty Graves, and Mother-in-law Betty Graves. He is preceded in death by his parents Billy & Imogene Morehead, and father-in-law Ken Graves.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023, from 5:00PM-8:00PM at Lake Lotawana Community United Methodist Church. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 11:00AM at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chics for Chicks, an organization founded during Kirk and Cindy’s work in Eldoret, Kenya. This was his passion over the last 5 years as he traveled 9 times to Africa to teach people how to become self-sustaining. This has become the legacy he will leave behind.