Thomas 'Ed' Edison Kirkland

Thomas "Ed" Edison Kirkland July 14, 1929 - July 30, 2014 Thomas "Ed" Edison Kirkland, age 85, of Claremont, Illinois, passed away July 30, 2014. He was born July 14, 1929 in Coffee County, Georgia. Ed was the son of Ben and Courtney (Johnson) Kirkland. He married Mary Catherine McKinley on December 19, 1949, and she died January 5, 1961. He then married Opal L. Stout on October 6, 1961, and she died April 15, 2014. Ed spent his life as a farmer who also enjoyed gardening. In his earlier working career, he worked as a carpenter. He served as Sunday School Superintendent of the Thomaston Church of God while living in Thomaston, Georgia. He was a faithful member of the Chauncey Church of God where he served in many capacities. His Godly life was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was also an active member of the Gideons. Preceding Ed in death were his parents, his wives Mary Catherine and Opal, one son Michael Kirkland, four brothers Clifton Kirkland, J.H. Kirkland, Daniel Kirkland and George Kirkland and one sister Sarah Harper and one grandson Cody Rosborough. Survivors include two daughters: Debra and her husband Jim Rosborough of Sumner, Illinois and Donna and her husband Danny Strom of Thomaston, Georgia; one brother: Noah "Red" Kirkland and his wife Carolyn of Hilliard, Florida; three sisters: Ruby Burch of Douglas, Georgia, Penny Jones and her husband Jim of Donaldson, Georgia, and Eva Pullen of Jacksonville, Florida; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 1:30 PM Saturday at the Chauncey Church of God. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Saturday at Sivert-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Sumner. Burial will be at the Chauncey Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Chauncey Church of God or to Gideon's International.

Burial

AUG 2. 12:00 AM (CDT)

Waggoner West Cemetery Chauncey Road Chauncey, IL, 62466