Joseph "Skip" C. Kirchdorfer

Joseph “Skip” C. Kirchdorfer of Naples, FL passed peacefully in his home in Naples at the age of 91, on November 19th, surrounded by family and his faithful pug, Petunia. He was born on March 14, 1932, in Meade County, KY a son of the late Chester O. and Hester, L. (Scott) Kirchdorfer. A graduate of Valley High School in Louisville KY, Skip attended the University of Kentucky where he studied horticulture and met the love of his life Phyllis. He was called to serve in the US Army in 1953 and married Phyllis that same year. Following his service during the Korean War, he worked for Kirchdorfer and Howell Contracting Company in Louisville, KY, and later founded Skip Kirchdorfer Incorporated, which he built into an international government contracting corporation. He owned farms throughout Shelby, Oldham, and Henry Counties in KY where he raised tobacco, belted Galloway and Black Angus cattle, thoroughbred horses, and numerous other exotic animals. His work ethic was unmatched- both in the boardroom or hanging tobacco in the late summer heat, Skip didn’t quit until the job was finished. He was preceded in death by his son, Calvin Brett Kirchdorfer; parents, “Buss” and Hester Kirchdorfer; brothers, Bobby Kirchdorfer and Dr. Kenneth Hodge; sisters, Carolyn Lee Kirchdorfer and Shirley Krages; and his beloved wife of sixty-five years, Phyllis. He is survived by a daughter, Linda Lee Kirchdorfer of Naples, FL, son, and daughter-in-law, Caleb and Janis Kirchdorfer of Lexington, KY, three sisters; Ruthie Ackerman, Donna Funk, Kay Cain, seven grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. When not on his farms, Skip was on the water– an avid boater since he was a child; he was at home both on the Ohio River and the coastal waterways around Naples and Bonita Springs FL. His boat, The Miss Behavin, was a favorite hangout for family and friends. His grandchildren eagerly awaited overnight boating trips up the Ohio River and day trips through Estero Bay in Florida. Always thinking of others and famous for his “anonymous” acts of kindness he helped more people in his life than we will ever know. He never judged a person by the color of their skin, the money in their wallet, or their background but rather by their character and how they treated others. Upon retirement, he took Phyllis to tour the world- a dream shared by them both since their youth. He and Phyllis became so enamored with the Far East; that they decorated their home with art from the region and replicated Japanese garden styles into their own landscaping. He was one of the first Americans who entered China after it opened to tourists and often spoke fondly of his experience and the people he met while on his travels. Of all his accomplishments, it is the time spent with friends and family of which he was the most proud. He was always eager to open his home to those he loved—whether hosting a ferocious game of Rook with friends, spoiling his grandchildren, or serving an unforgettable holiday meal, his home was a place of warmth and love. He spent the final years of his life with his daughter Linda, grandson Brett, and beloved pug Petunia in Bonita Springs, FL. There he spent his days tending his gardens, waking early to walk the beach to look for the perfect shell, and cheering on his UK Wildcats. His was a life well lived. A great but humble man, he continues to be an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. Funeral services for Skip will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the Shannon Funeral Home 1124 Main St., Shelbyville, KY. Burial with military honors will follow at the Grove Hill Cemetery. His family will be receiving friends at Shannon Funeral Home from 12:00 noon until the time of service. To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Joseph "Skip" C. Kirchdorfer

March 14, 1932 - November 19, 2023