Harrell Kirkland, 81, of Crystal City died April 29, 2017, at his home. Mr. Kirkland was retired from Crystal City Elementary School, where he was principal for 19 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Festus-Crystal City, the Shekinah Masonic Lodge in Crystal City, the Scottish Rite Bodies of St. Louis, the Missouri Retired Teachers Association and the Missouri Elementary Principals Association. He also was a Korean War veteran of the U.S. Navy. Born April 1, 1936, in Berrien County, Ga., he was the son of the late Evie (Ellis) and William G. Kirkland.
He is survived by his wife: Mary (Witting) Kirkland; two sons: Philip (Kathy) Kirkland and Alan (Heather) Kirkland, both of Crystal City; a brother: Eli D. "Butch" (Joyce) Kirkland of Macon, Ga.; two sisters-in-law: Juanita Kirkland of Omega, Ga., and Gwen Kirkland; and three grandchildren: Anna (Jeffrey) Littrell, Caroline Kirkland and Wesley Kirkland.
He was preceded in death by a sister: Lou (the late Curtis) Duggan; and four brothers: William H. "Bill" Kirkland, Tony F. Kirkland, L. Howard Kirkland and Clarence G. (the late Mildred) Kirkland.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main, in Festus. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, at the funeral home, Dr. Charles McLain officiating. Burial is in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.