Charles Kirkland, Jr.

Mr. Charles Kirkland, Jr., 65, known to family as “Jr. bug” and to friends as “Cowboy,” departed this life at his residence on February 10, 2017.  He was born January 21, 1952 in Cleveland, Mississippi, the child of Charles Sr., and Earline Hardrict Kirkland. The family then relocated to South Bend, Indiana.

When he was a young child, Charles graduated from Washington High School, where he enjoyed all types of sports, especially football and wrestling, and his favorite subject, art. At Washington High School, he has left his eternal mark on the floors in the gymnasium as well as the walls going to the concession stand. When one walks in, the hand-painted masterpiece of the Panther’s emblem was done by Mr. Charles Kirkland, Jr.

His hobby was horseback riding. He would groom his horses and take them in the city where people, especially the little ones, would ask for a ride or feel them and say, “Is that a real horse?” Charles also loved to dance. Where there was a beat, there was Charles. 

He retired from Dexter Axle Company in Elkhart, Indiana. He is survived by a son, Charles Kirkland; three sisters, Tyree Kirkland (Benny Ivory), Ardean Lancaster (Richard) and Janice Hardrict; and one brother, Karon Kirkland (Gail), all of South Bend, Indiana. 

He was affectionately fond of his family and will truly be missed by his nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends.  Charles was preceded in death by both parents, Charles and Earline, as well as his aunts, Albertha McBride, Ola Coleman, and Margaret Hardrict.

Services will be at noon Friday, Feb. 17, at Palmer Funeral Home—West Chapel, 2702 Lincolnway West, South Bend, with Rev. William Jones officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left for the Kirkland family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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