Dean E. Kirkland

Dean E. Kirkland, age 84, passed away at his home on Paradise Acres in Princeton, Kansas, with his family by his side on May 12, 2012. He was born on May 27, 1927 in Ottawa, Kansas to Frank and Mabel (Freeman) Kirkland. He was a member of the Princeton Christian Church. Dean grew up and attended schools in Franklin County and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944, serving during World War II from September 1944 until March 1948, attaining the rank of Coxswain Petty Officer Third Class. He received the USN Honorable Service Button, the Honorable Service Lapel Button, and the Honorable Discharge Emblem. Dean worked in construction, oil fields and for Ottawa Truck from 1955 to 1985, and Skyhook from 1985 until his retirement in 1998. He was united in marriage on December 13, 1950 to Betty Lou Morrow, sharing more than sixty-one years together. She survives of their home. The last member of the Kirkland family, Dean was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Clarence “Bud” Kirkland, Frank “Babe” Kirkland, Harold “Bill” Kirkland, Wayland D. Kirkland, Larry Lee Kirkland and Ronnie Kirkland, and two sisters, Fern Mock and June Sink. Also surviving are his three children, Kathy and Casey Jones of Princeton, Marlene Kirkland of Ottawa and Randy and Cindy Kirkland of Princeton; three grandchildren, Curt and Angela Watson of Spring Hill, Tonya and Luke Lankard of Richmond, and RD Kuiken of Princeton; four great-grandchildren, Demeree and Dakota Pendleton, Sophee Lankard and Breck Watson; three sisters-in-law, Carol Welton, Mary Morrow and Cecelia Kirkland, and many nieces and nephews. Dean’s passion in life was spending time with his family, and his favorite place to be was his home. He loved to reminisce about old times. His hobbies included coon hunting, fishing, attending swap meets, and raising exotic birds. He also enjoyed coffee at McDonald’s with the “Knights of the Round Table”. The family will meet with friends Tuesday, May 15th, from 7 – 8 p.m. and services will be Wednesday, May 16th at 2:00 p.m. at Dengel & Son Mortuary with burial at Princeton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care Hospice or the Franklin County Cancer Foundation c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net.