Rex E. Kirkland

Rex E. Kirkland, 85, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Saturday, March 26, 2016, at Olathe Hospice House. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, April 2, 2016, at the First Christian Church, Ottawa. Family will meet with friends from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., Friday, April 1, 2016, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Inurnment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa. Rex was born Saturday, July 26, 1930, in Ottawa, Kansas, the son of Grant and Ethel (Price) Kirkland. He was a lifelong Ottawa resident. He graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1948. Rex served in the United States Army from September 1951 to July 1953 during the Korean War. His decorations and citations included the Korean service medal with 2 bronze camp stars, United Nations service medal, 2 overseas service bars, and combat infantry badge. He attained the rank of private first class serving as forward observer in the field artillery company working in communication. Rex was united in marriage with Wanda Myers September 18, 1951, in Centropolis, Kansas. She survives of the home. Other survivors include his two daughters, Kelley Hawkins and husband Larry of Ottawa, and Lisa Watts and husband Arlie also of Ottawa; seven grandchildren; and fourteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Max, Ted, and Roy Kirkland; two sisters, Eva Jones and Shirley Parker; nephew, Brad Kirkland; and two nieces, Linda McLean and Donna Dowdy. Rex was employed as a lifelong carpenter working for several different contractors in Kansas City, Lawrence, Ottawa, and Topeka, retiring in 1993. After retirement, he worked several years as an independent contractor in Ottawa. He attended the First Christian Church and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5901. Rex enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and was a car enthusiast who was active in the car show. He also enjoyed going to the casino, watching sports and John Wayne westerns, and loved to sing country western songs. The family suggests memorial contributions to First Christian Church c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Rex’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com