Robert E Kirkland

Nov. 4, 1930 – Nov. 15, 2021

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Robert Eugene Kirkland was born Nov. 4, 1930, in Stanton, to Albert and Thelma (Wells) Kirkland and passed away Nov. 15, 2021, in Seward, at the age of 91 years and 11 days. Robert grew up in Stanton and graduated from Stanton High School with the Class of 1950.

Robert worked in Oklahoma City for a short time and also joined the Navy Reserves. On June 22, 1951, he was united in marriage to Myrna Wegener at Christ Lutheran Church in Norfolk, and to this union four sons were born, Kevin, Rodney, Timothy and Daniel. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past June. Robert served in the Navy from 1950 to 1953. After discharge, he attended Southeast Community College in Milford to study body and fender repair. Finally, he worked 35 years at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company as a maintenance mechanic. During this time, he was also an auctioneer where he had an auction house in Garland and held farm and household auctions. Robert started K & K Hay with his son, Kevin, where they baled and sold alfalfa and prairie hay.

The family moved to Garland in 1967. Robert was a lifetime member of the Garland American Legion and served as a commander from 1986 to 2012 as well as a county commander in 1995, 2002 and 2009. He was a member of the VFW and was active as a 4-H leader. Robert was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Garland, serving as a trustee and elder.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Walter; two sisters, June Briggs and Kathryn Paulsen and many sisters and brothers-in-law.

Survivors cherishing his memory include his wife, Myrna Kirkland, Garland; sons, Kevin Kirkland and significant other, Patti Popken, Garland; Rodney and wife, Lola Kirkland, Garland, Timothy and wife, Kristi Kirkland, Bluffdale, Utah, Daniel and wife, Kerry Kirkland, Wentzville, Missouri; five grandchildren, Robert W. and wife, Stefanie Kirkland, Kelsey Kirkland, Tyler Kirkland and wife, Jessica Nielsen, Rodion Kirkland, Jennifer DeMoe; three great-grandchildren, Jameson, Glenn and Lilly; sister, Lois Keenan, Stanton; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Visitation is from 1 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home in Seward, with family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The funeral service is at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, at Zion Lutheran Church in Garland with interment at the church cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the United State Navy and Garland American Legion Post 369. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Kirkland family for future designations. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.