Garry Russell Kirkland

Garry Kirkland, age 75, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, with family at his side at the University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus in Topeka, Kansas.

Garry was born on February 15, 1948, in Coffeyville, Kansas. He was the second of four children born to Merlin and Beulah (Shelton) Kirkland. He graduated from Altamont High School. After graduation, on November 14, 1967, he enlisted into the Army as a mechanic. He was sent to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, then spent time in Germany and Vietnam. He served in the Army until November 30, 1970.

Garry and Goldie (Marmon) were united in marriage on December 11, 1987, at the United Methodist Church in Garnett, Kansas. It was love at first sight. Throughout their marriage, they raised 13 kids together. He was a very loving husband, father, and grandpa.

In 1974, Garry moved to Garnett, Kansas, dedicating his life to truck driving for several different companies. He spent many years working for Union Gas, as well as many years of his life to Dolly Madison Company out of Emporia, Kansas, retiring in 2009. In Garry's spare time, he enjoyed being a mechanic. Garry never misplaced a tool. If anyone touched or moved any of his tools or equipment, he knew about it and he wasn't scared to let you know. There wasn't anything Garry couldn't fix or do, and if he didn't know right away how to fix it, it wouldn't take long to figure it out. He would help sew, making the kids a poodle skirt for a school program, he would cook, clean dishes, and LOVED chocolate chip cookies and lemon meringue pie. Garry had a very kind soft side to him, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone and everyone day or night, no matter the situation. Garry wasn't scared to take it to the limit or edge on any piece of machinery. Garry absolutely loved making people laugh. He had jokes for days and there was never a dull moment in his presence. In the evening, Garry enjoyed relaxing in his favorite recliner watching television with the volume all the way up. Garry cared deeply for his animals, but had a soft spot for Arthur and Boss.

Garry was preceded in death by his parents; and his daughter, Sabrina.

He is survived by his wife, Goldie of 36 years, of the home; children, Hudson and Zach Kirkland of the home; Russell (Steffanie) Kirkland of Garnett, Kansas; Travis (Lori) Marmon of Garnett; Missy Larkin of Garnett; extended family, Kyle, Cynthia, Wayne, Chris, Steven, Charlie, Crystal; grandchildren, Kortney (Ty) Ellis of Pittsburg, Kansas; Matthew Kirkland of Wamego, Kansas; Kody, Blade, Britney Marmon of Garnett, Kansas; and several great grandchildren and numerous other friends and family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, March 31, 2023, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Garnett Cemetery. Garry's family will greet friends at 10:00AM prior to the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Garry Kirkland Memorial Fund (for Hudson's college education) and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com
Watch Gary's funeral service here @ https://vimeo.com/event/3233679
Watch Gary's graveside service here @ https://vimeo.com/event/3233696