Gerald R. Kirkwood

OBITUARY: Gerald Randall Kirkwood

Gerald Randall Kirkwood, 90, Topeka, died Sun., Nov. 12, 2006, at The Topeka Presbyterian Manor. He was born Feb. 4, 1916, in northern Shawnee County, the son of Levi M. and Jesse C. (Fitzgerald) Kirkwood.

Gerald was retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and had been a farmer. He was a lifetime member of Elmont United Methodist Church, which was the center of his life. For 34 years he was a participant in the Elmont Opry and never missed a performance during that time. Gerald played church softball until he was 78 years old. He loved to garden, growing primarily tomatoes, turnips, strawberries, and potatoes. He was a great walker and after his 78th birthday walked approximately 6,000 miles.

He was married to Bonnie Jean Calderwood on June 10, 1944, at Topeka. She preceded him in death on Sept. 30, 2003. He was also preceded in death by a son, Stanley Kirkwood, on April 11, 1976; a brother, William T. Kirkwood, on April 8, 1985; and his parents.

Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law: Steven G. and Donna Kirkwood of Denver, CO, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m., Thurs., Nov. 16, 2006, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 N.W. Independence. Interment will be in Prairie Home Cemetery. Gerald will lie in state after 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, at the funeral chapel where the family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Meals On Wheels, 1500 S.W. Tenth, Topeka, KS 66604 or the Elmont United Methodist Church, 3024 N.W. 66th, Topeka, KS 66618. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabel.com.