Donald Gene Kirkland

Donald Gene Kirkland, of Elgin, formerly of Azle, Texas passed away April 5, 2025, at the age of seventy-seven. Donald was born in Gorman, Texas to Woodie Eugene and Neva Marie (Small) Kirkland on January 22, 1948. Donald is predeceased by his wife Alice Ranae and their infant son Stephen Lee Kirkland, and his twin brother, Ronald Ray Kirkland. He is survived by his sister Lyndia Gail and her husband Jackie Joe Glidewell of Thrall, Texas, his aunt Mary Lea Shoemaker of San Antonio, Texas, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Donald attended Sunshine Cottage in San Antonio, Texas, and moved to Austin, Texas at the age of eight to attend Texas School for the Deaf. He worked as a machinist for many years at Broyhill. After the company moved to another state, he then worked at Butter Krust, Mrs. Baird’s Bakeries, and Sealy Mattress with his twin brother Ronald. Above all hobbies Donald loved to fish. Any conversation was always about fishing. He also loved to play the lottery, dominos, and bingo. He loved to be around friends and family. Always showed his comedian side to make people laugh and loved to crack jokes. Donald and Ronald were always together - if you saw Donald, you would see Ronald.

Thank you to Elgin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center staff and residents for your love and support for Donald over the past months. Donald was beloved by everyone he met and stayed active until his final weeks. We are grateful for the care provided to the residents. Donald's memory will be cherished by many. Thank you for coming to honor him today; he is joyfully watching over us from Heaven.