 
BROKEN ARROW, OK --
Services honoring the life of Merle Clifton Kirkland , were
December 14, 2016 at Hayhurst Funeral Home Chapel in
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Interment with full military
honors followed at Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort
Gibson, Oklahoma.Merle Clifton Kirkland was born on Friday, July 9, 1948 in Talihina, Oklahoma the son of Earl and Lealer (Carney) Kirkland. Merle died on Friday, December 9, 2016 in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. He was 68 years of age. Merle attended Sequoyah High School in Tahlequah, before joining the United States Army at the age of 17. He served in Vietnam and Desert Storm and was a Purple Heart recipient. Merle later worked as a Correctional Officer, and had other jobs in between. He was a man of many trades. He attended First Indian Baptist Church in McAlester, Oklahoma. Merle enjoyed sports, listening to music, and spending time with family. Merle is survived by, 8 Children: Douglas Kirkland and wife Julia, Stigler, OK Brian Kirkland, Stigler, OK Lisa Bournes, Van Buren, OK Randy Bournes and wife Reva, Van Buren, OK Lealer Winn and Vann Cauley, Spring Hope, NC Stacey Arthurs and husband Michael, Mounds, OK Casey Kirkland, Collinsville, OK Tracy Urban and husband Scott, Tulsa, OK 24 Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren. Siblings: Maudie Ann Tolbert, McAlester, OK Matthew Kemp, McAlester, OK Mary Kemp, McAlester, OK Johnnie Sue Kemp, McAlester, OK Earl Stanley Kirkland (Seq.Class of 1967) , McAlester, OK Dorothy Kirkland Jim (Seq. Freshman 1968), McAlester, OK Sarah Kirkland, Tahlequah, OK Numerous Nieces, Nephews and Other Loving Family. Merle was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Hubert Kemp, Ruth Cummins and Hester Gardner. |