Joseph “JD” Kirkland, 80, of Friendswood, formerly of Beaumont, died Monday, June 5, 2017, at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, Houston. He was born on May 16, 1937, to Ida Caroline Zwicker Kirkland and Joseph Clark Kirkland, in Beaumont, and was in the United States Navy Reserves.
JD was a 1956 graduate of South Park High School. Throughout his life, he worked for Alco, Ohmstede, and Excel as a drill press operator, machinist, and mill wright. JD was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was the best meat smoker and avid BBQ cooker. JD loved animals, living in the country, dancing, and music.
Survivors include his daughter, Debra Kirkland Penrod and her husband, James, of Friendswood; brother, Roy D. Kirkland and his wife, Patsy, of Beaumont; sister, Karlene Kirkland Donaldson of Houston; grandchildren, Morgan Danielle Kirkland, James Davis Penrod, Daniel Jacob Penrod, and Jeana Emilie Penrod; niece, Amanda Donaldson; nephew, Matthew Donaldson; and grandniece, Ella Donaldson.
He is preceded in death by his wife of thirty-one years, Dorothy Jean Andrepont Kirkland and son, Daniel Michael Kirkland.
A gathering of Mr. Kirkland’s family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., with a Christian Vigil at 6:30 p.m. and a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, June 11, 2017, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 12, 2017, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont. His interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256.
