Charles Edward Kirkland of Mansfield, Missouri, better known as “Sonny”, was born May 31, 1946, in Mansfield, Missouri, the son of Charley and Gladys Kirkland. He departed this life Saturday morning, March 16, 2024, into the arms of Jesus after a long battle with cancer. He was 77 years, 9 months, and 16 days of age.
Most of Sonny’s professional career has been in sales with Dutch Boy Paints, Valspar Paints, and Ace Hardware. He retired from Ace Hardware Corporate in the paint division holding the positions of Sales Representative and Central Division Manager covering several states. Some of the rewards that Sonny received throughout his career included Professional Salesman Award, Outstanding Sales Achievement Award, Outstanding Retail Support, and Top Sales Performer.
Sonny’s most prized position was praise and worship leader at Little Creek Baptist Church which he served for over 20 years. He always thought of himself as an encourager. He wanted the congregation to praise God from their hearts and for them to have a closer relationship with God. He had a special gift, that connected to the people and touched their hearts when he spoke.
Sonny never knew a stranger. He would strike up a conversation with anyone he came in contact with; a trait that he received from his father. Through the years, he and his wife, Lana, sang with two gospel groups: Kings Kids and Higher Vision. It was his heart’s desire to see people saved at their concerts and the Lord blessed him by fulfilling this desire many times.
Sonny was preceded in death by his daughter, Shannon Kirkland, his father, Charley Kirkland, his mother, Gladys (Sanders) Kirkland, his step-mother, Wilma (Harrison) Kirkland, father-in-law, Arnold Crewse, mother-in-law, Gladys Crewse, one brother-in-law, Rex Crewse and his wife, Loretta, and one niece, Shelly Kalka.
He is survived by his wife, Lana, of their home, his son, Greg Kirkland and his wife, Katrina, of Mansfield, Missouri, two grandsons, Charles “Chuck” Kirkland, and his wife, Robbie, of Springfield, Missouri, Tucker “T.J.” Kirkland and his wife, Billie, of Mansfield, Missouri, one granddaughter, Courtney Kirkland of Mansfield, Missouri, nine great-grandchildren, Charles Jr., Cora, Peyton, Jayden, and Cole of Springfield, Missouri, Bella, Oakley, Carson, and Zaelynn of Mansfield, Missouri, one sister, Wilma Jean Robeen and her husband, Jerry, of Springfield, Missouri, nieces, Sherry (Crewse) Jenkins, of Springfield, Missouri, Gina (Robeen) Culpepper of Dallas, Texas, Emma Kalka of Seoul, South Korea, and Megan Kalka of Fort Meyers, Florida.
Sonny was a loving husband, dad, and grandpa, and an inspiration to all.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society by clicking on the link below or at the funeral home.
