George Kirkendall

Published 8:00 am Friday, September 13, 2024

November 27, 1934 – September 5, 2024 

George Warren Kirkendall, 89, of Niles, died peacefully Thursday, September 5, 2024, in the comfort of his family’s presence.

His life began November 27, 1934, in Niles, Michigan born to Donivan and Lucille Kirkendall. He married Joyce Miller November 12, 1985, in South Bend, Indiana.

George cherished the outdoors. He loved to fish and hunt and taught his sons as well. He enjoyed reading Louis L’Amour Western books and watching Westerns on television. Gunsmoke was one of his favorites and he’d watch the same episodes repeatedly. He was a Little League coach for his son, Dan, with his son Don assisting. Don remembers the fun he had assisting his dad with coaching his little brother’s team. He was also a softball coach for his daughters Deanna, Deloris, and Denese. When they won games, George would sometimes treat the team to ice cream cones at the local ice cream shop, Kool Corner in Bloomingdale, Michigan.

George’s daughter, Deanna, remembers playing softball and baseball throughout the summers. He was a Detroit Tigers fan, and his son Don remembers that, because of his dad, he was able to meet Al Kaline.

Later in life, and after he married Joyce, they moved to Florida. George and Joyce loved going to the dog races and playing cards with family and friends.

George proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1953 through 1955. He also worked as a realtor, for the phone company, and as a custodian at Three River’s High School. Above all, George was a farmer, and farming was a way of life. George will be greatly missed by family and friends. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of thirty-eight years, Joyce Kirkendall; daughters, Deanna Daily, Deloris (Kevin) Mills, Denese (Ruben) Garrido: sons, Donovan (Lynn) Kirkendall, Daniel (Heather) Kirkendall; stepdaughters, Vicky Johnson, Wanda Wogoman, Deb Bloch; Stepsons, Larry (Theresa) Johnson, Bruce (Debbie) Johnson; several grandchildren, including, Drew Walburn, Amber Cruz, Charlina Garrido, Ruben Garrido, Gabriela Garrido, Kyle Kridler, Kayla Kridler, Hannah Kirkendall, Tyler Leopold Sr., Aaron (Sarah) Kirkendall, Meghan (Tom) McAllister, Alexandra (David) Secondi, Sheena Faes, Fawn, six step-grandchildren; several great grandchildren, Iliana Garrido, Abby Garrido, Leonardo Diaz, Emali Diaz, Ximena Valencia, MiyKayla Garrido, Amira Garrido Baker, Briella Garrido, Adalynn Kridler, Abigail Kridler, Zoie Bober, Haylie Bober, Tyler Leopold Jr., Gates Leopold, Lillian Kirkendall, Atticus Kirkendall, Autumn Kirkendall, Vaughan Kirkendall, Amber Kirkendall, Hunter Kirkendall, Maple Secondi, eighteen step-great grandchildren; four step-great great grandchildren; sister, Jean Hubert; brother, Robert Jones; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Richard Jones, and Michael Jones.

Family and friends will gather Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 11:00 am until time of service at 12:00 noon in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, 615 East Main Street, Niles.

Mr. Kirkendall will be laid to rest in Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Sumnerville.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles. Please share a memory or a message online: halbritterwickens.com.