Jack L Kirkland Sr.

KIRKLAND, Jack L. Sr., age 76 of Butler Twp., passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at Hospice of Dayton after a lengthy illness. He was born in Westbourne, TN, son of the late Roscoe & Ida Kirkland. Jack was a Corporal in the 3rd Army Infantry during the Korean Conflict, serving as an artillery instructor at Ft. Lewis, Washington. He was a 25-year veteran of the Dayton Police Dept., retiring in 1984. Jack was also an auto mechanic in the reserves and was honorably discharged in 1952. After retirement, Jack worked as a chauffeur for 10 Wilmington Place for 15 years. He was a member of the Circle 8 Square Dance Club and the FOP Lodge #44. Preceded in death by 1 daughter, Lisa Kay Smith, 1 sister, Betty, & 4 brothers, Charles, Eugene, Thomas Roscoe & William Kirkland, Jack is survived by his wife of 28 years, Martha A.; 1 daughter, Yvonne A. & husband, George Core; 1 son, Jack L. Kirkland Jr.; step-daughter, Constance S. & husband, Rick L. Sowry; step-sons, Richard P. & wife, Debra Thies & Robert E. Thies; sisters-in-law, Aline, Frances & Ida Kirkland and Phyllis & husband, Joe Gordy; grandchildren, Jennifer Knorr, Valerie & Shane Palmer, Erin & Kevin Kinsella, Christopher Hendel, Jacqueline Ausbun, Ross Vane, Erica Vane, Jack L. Kirkland III, Laura & Mike Gustin, Jessica Thies, Jennifer Newsome; great-grandchildren, Quain & Cruise Palmer, & Madison Gustin; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, May 17 at Shiloh Church, 5300 Philadelphia Dr, Dayton with Rev. Dick VanTine officiating. Cremation to follow service. The family will receive friends at the Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, 139 S. Dixie Dr, Vandalia on Friday from 5 to 8 pm and Saturday from 10:00 am until time of service at the church. Jack was a loving and giving husband, father, and grandfather and will be remembered fondly by all those who knew him. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Humane Society or to Hospice of Dayton in Jacks memory.