Gerald Ober Kirkland, 91, of Clymer died Wednesday, May 24, 2017 following a lengthy illness, at his home in Clymer with his loving family at his side.
A son of Harry and Sadie Mae (Ober) Kirkland, he was born August 13, 1925 in Home, PA.
Mr. Kirkland was a member of Grove Chapel Lutheran Church. He was a member of many local lodges. He was an extremely hard worker that provided for his family. He lived and worked on his family farm with his wife Lois, for more than sixty years. Along with working and running his farm he was formerly employed full time at Fisher Scientific, Lanich Bus Lines, and many other bus companies over the years. He was a long standing member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (I.A. of M.). He lived a long life and truly loved his family and friends.
Surviving are his three children: Cherie Davis, William Kirkland and wife Brenda, and Marie Smith and husband James; seven grandchildren: Pamela Pane, Jamie Mumau, William Bender and wife Dottie, Dr. Jessica Ann Smith and husband Ben Beaman, Matthew Gerald Smith, Jeffrey Kirkland, and Emily Rose Smith: eight great grandchildren; Nathan Deitman, Christina Deitman, Jillina Mahtesian, Kasidy Pane, Hanah Pane, Sarah Mumau, Willie Bender, and Bernie Beaman. He is survived by a brother in law, Paul F. Johnson and wife Dorothy Nee (Kirkland) of Houston, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Norman and Neal, sisters: Naomi Jane McDannell and Mary Katherine Riddle, his wife Lois Anna in 2012, and an infant daughter Barbara.
Friends are invited to his memorial service at Grove Chapel Lutheran Church, Indiana, PA on Monday, June 5, 2017 at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow in Grove Chapel Cemetery.
His family suggests memorial contributions be made to Aseracare Hospice, 100CT Drive #110, Johnstown, PA 15904.
The Kirkland Family is being assisted by the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home of Clymer, where online condolences may be made at: rbfh.net .
