Kirkland, Lenford (1878-1937)

RUTSON OR HUTSON, ANDERSON, STYRON, TARON, GERARD, ACHISON

Posted By: Jerry Hale (email)
Date: 11/30/2007 at 02:11:54

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1937

OBITUARY

Lenford Kirkman was born April 2, 1878, near Maxwell Iowa. Departed this life October 14, 1937, age 58 years, 6 months and 12 days.

In 1894, at the age of 16 years he was converted and united with the Methodist Church.

He endeavored to build his life upon the bible foundation and the teachings of Jesus were his principles and ideals.

On July the 6th, 1903, Lenford Kirkman was united in marriage to Miss Etta Rutson. To this union was born two daughters, Lelia and Dortha Mae. Lelia is now Mrs. Lelia Taron, of Shawnee, Okla. Dortha Mae passed away while in infancy.

Etta Hutson Kirkman passed away on October 5, 1907. Mr. Kirkman moved from Iowa to Oklahoma in 1908.

He again made his home with his parents for a few years.

On December 4, 1908, he was united in marriage to Miss Annie Eliza Anderson.

To this union was born five children, one son, Darwin, four daughters, Thelma (who died at age 3) and Edith, Alieta Bell and Zelma.

Mr. Kirkman with his family moved from Shawnee to Shamrock in 1921.

After a lingering illness Mrs. Annie Anderson Kirkman passed away on July 22, 1930

Again in deep sorrow, Mr. Kirkman did the manly and noble work of keeping his family of children together. For months in his tender manner he endeavored to be, as it were, both a father and a mother to his children.

But feeling that his daughters needed the guiding hand of a lady, he secured the services of a house keeper.

This acquaintance and friendship ripened into deep affection and on June 27, 1935, Mr. Kirkman was united in marriage to Mrs. Ida E. Styron.

Mr. Kirkman's high ideals of school, church and government has always made of him a most valuable citizen.

He has been for nine years President of the Pleasant Hill School Board and it was, in many respects, due to his guiding hand that Pleasant Hill has continued as a peaceful and progressive community.

He was reserved, yet positive.

Mr. Kirkman was for several years a member of I.O.O.F. lodge at Shamrock. He was a talented musician, being a faithful member of the Shamrock band. He sang in the choir and played in the orchestra of this church, and responded to calls to sing in quartets for funerals. He has been for many years an employee of the Mid-Continent Oil Company, where he was well known and very popular.

Our community unites in the belier that we have no finer young people than the Kirkman children. Parents are appreciated who so bring up their children "that the children may rise up to call them Blessed."

The thought of our hearts in this sad hour is: We shall miss him; in his home life; for his worth to the community; for his strength of manhood and his balanced mind; for his enduring friendship.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Ida E. Kirkman, a son, Darwin Kirkman of Stillwater; four daughters: Mrs. Lelia Taron, of Shawnee, Okla.; Mrs. Edith Gerard, of Tulsa, Okla.; Alieta Bell and Zelma , of Pleasant Hill. His father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Kirkman, one step son, of Tulsa; one brother, Bert Kirkman, of Maxwell, Iowa; one sister, Sylvia Achison, of Maxwell, Iowa; one uncle, Geo. Kirkman, of Paden, Oklahoma; eleven grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

The funeral service was conducted by Leo Bowers, assisted by the local pastor.

The Mid-Continent employees were chosen as pall bearers. The Rainbow order furnished the flower girls. The local church furnished the music. The funeral was held in the First Methodist church of Shamrock. The burial was in the Chandler cemetery. The Smith-Hall Funeral Home was in charge.