10/29/2026
Remembering Kirk Chamness. A Man Who Was Part of Decatur ❤️
If you lived in the Decatur community, chances are you knew Kirk Chamness. Kirk passed away in January 2024, but his memory and the impact he had on our community live on. Kirk loved Decatur, and Decatur loved Kirk.
A creature of habit, Kirk could often be spotted riding his bicycle around town, proudly sporting his bright orange hat, favorite jeans, and suspenders. He rarely missed a meal at Hard Times Family Restaurant or his days spent in his usual spots around town, including the library, Village Park, and even Honor Credit Union.
Although Kirk could be stubborn at times, those who knew him will fondly remember his kindness, compassion, and the unique personality that made him who he was.
When Dave and Lori Walker purchased and reopened Hard Times Family Restaurant earlier this year, we reached out to Kirk’s family to ask for their blessing in collecting donations to help purchase a headstone for his final resting place at Harrison Cemetery in Decatur.
We are proud and humbled to share that, over the past several months, our wonderful community has donated a total of $1,922 toward this effort! Every dollar represents the generosity of people who cared about Kirk and wanted to help honor his memory. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank everyone who contributed and helped make this possible. All donations collected will go toward purchasing a monument to provide Kirk with a lasting tribute at his final resting place.
Also to keep Kirk’s memory alive right here at Hard Times, a place that was part of his daily routine. Robert and Deanna Szabo, relatives of Kirk, generously handcrafted a beautiful memorial bench in his honor, which we proudly display outside our front door. Their thoughtfulness and the time, care, and love they put into creating this bench mean so much to us. It is a special tribute to Kirk and his love for Decatur, providing a place where people can sit, reflect, and remember him for years to come.
This is what makes Decatur special. It is more than a town; it is a community that cares for its own. When someone who has been part of our daily lives is gone, we come together to make sure they are never forgotten.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who donated, supported this effort, and helped honor Kirk. We are grateful to be part of a community that continues to show so much heart and compassion.
Kirk, you are missed, you are remembered, and you will always have a place at Hard Times. ❤️
David and Lori Walker along with all of us at Hard Times Family Restaurant
