Steven Leon Kirkland, 72 years, 8 months, 6 days old, passed away on February 11, 2025, at his home in Ozark, Missouri.
On June 5, 1952, Steve was born in Norwood, Missouri, to Harley and Elsie (Spurlock) Kirkland.
Steve graduated from Mansfield High School. Soon after, he started working at the chicken hatchery in Mansfield. He then moved to Springfield and started his career as a Fabricator with Litton Industries. Steve worked there for many years.
Steve enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing and being on the lake. He also like playing cards.
His favorite thing to do was spending time with his family, especially grandkids. Steve believed in the simple things in life.
He was a devout Christian and was quoted saying, “I prayed that my family would grow closer to know Jesus as their personal Savior.”
Steve was preceded in death by his parents; his Godfather, Thomas Jan; and a brother, David Kirkland.
Steve is survived by his children, Chris and Amy Kirkland, Brandon and Chantell Kirkland, and Steven and Elyssa Kirkland; nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren; his sister, Delcia Heriford, and his brother, Curtis Kirkland; many nieces; nephews; other relatives and numerous friends.
Funeral services for Steve will be Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 2:00 P.M., in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, Missouri, with burial following in the Ava Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday prior to the service at 1:30 P.M. Officiating will be Pastor James Hathcock. Family requests memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
