Richard E. Kirkland

Richard E. Kirkland, 84, son of Tom Kirkland and Edna (Hillebrand) Kirkland, born April 26, 1934 in Minneapolis, Kansas, died peacefully March 21, 2019. Married Darlene Postlethwaite on September 3, 1955 at Immaculate Conception Parish, Minneapolis, KS. Richard graduated from Kansas State in January 1957 and in 1961 moved to Wichita to join the Missile Division of Beech Aircraft Corp. as an electrical design engineer, retiring in 1992. Through the Beech Flying club he achieved his dream of getting his pilots license, joining Experimental Aircraft Association/EAA. He was very active in starting the Young Eagle Program, to give children 8-18 years old their first flight, sharing his love and joy of flying. Flew his Clipped Winged Cubby that he built, and also enjoyed being a soaring pilot. Had the privilege of joining the great group of aviation enthusiasts in the Wichita Area. He is survived by his wife, Darlene, and four daughters, Sr. Mary Ann, IHM (Joni), Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Wichita, Terri Ann Kirkland, Shawnee, KS, Laura Lara (John) of Wichita, Carolyn Andrews (Matt) of Pescadero, CA. Eight grand-children, Mark, Teresa, Beth, Maria and Paul Lara and Chance and Noah Andrews. Preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Evan Lee Lara. Rosary will be at 7:00 pm, Sunday, March 24, 2019, Downing & Lahey Mortuary, 6555 E. Central, Wichita. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Monday, March 25, 2019 at St. Paul University Parish, 1810 N. Roosevelt, Wichita. Graveside Service will follow at 3:00 pm at Highland Cemetery in Minneapolis, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 3550 N. 167th St. West, Colwich, KS 67030, St. Paul Parish, 1810 N. Roosevelt, Wichita, KS 67208, or EAA Chapter 88, P.O. Box 780833, Wichita, KS 67278.