Russell Glynn Kirkland

Russell (Rusty), 64, passed away at his home on November 14th, in Axtell, Texas in the presence of his family after a tiring battle with health issues. Rusty was born to Glynn and Reta Kirkland in Waco, Texas on June 29, 1960. He grew up in Bellmead, attending LaVega High School and Calvary Assembly of God church where he made some lifelong friends. Rusty retired from McLennan County Sheriff’s Department in 2018 after 32 years of service. A strong brotherhood or “posse” was formed during his time at the department between him and many of his colleagues.

He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and the rest of his family fiercely. He sacrificed and worked hard to provide for his family because they were his world. He instilled in his children a strong work ethic and sense of respect. Rusty married his one true love, Donna, on June 20, 1980. Rusty enjoyed riding dirt bikes and four wheelers, camping, and fishing. He was an avid sports fan. His true passions were baseball and NASCAR. Rusty was a gifted storyteller, jokester, and prankster. With an intimidating hard outer shell, he was a gentle, God fearing, gooey teddy bear on the inside that would do anything for those he loved. His greatest joy in life was becoming “Po-po,” the title his first grandbaby bestowed upon him. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his grandchildren, and they were the center of his world. Russell was an active member of Grace Gospel Church of Axtell, Texas, where he found more brothers and sisters in Christ.

Rusty was preceded in death by: his father, Glynn (Pop) Kirkland; his uncles, Wilburn Kirkland and wife Betty Kirkland, Ray Hassell and wife Dorothy (Dot) Hassell, and James Meadors; his aunt, Elsie McCamey and his sisters-in-law Leslie Kirkland and Sarah Kirkland.

Rusty is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Donna; his daughter Amanda; his son Ethan and daughter-in-law Amber; Ethan and Amber’s children Kole, McKynlee, Addylynn, and Luke; his mother Reta Kirkland; and his brother David Kirkland. He is also survived by his nephews: Cody and Dana Kirkland and son and daughter Cooper and Bobbye, and Levi and Kensie Kirkland and daughters Kersey and Kline; as well as several cousins and a posse of friends. Rusty’s life touched so many people. He was very loved, and he will be missed.

A visitation (9:30 AM) and memorial service (10:30AM) honoring Rusty’s fruitful life will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Peacan Grove Funeral Home (3124 Robinson Drive, Waco, Texas 76706) with a brief graveside service at Axtell Cemetery (214 N. 4th St., Axtell, Texas 76624) following immediately after. Pastor Johnny Tull will be officiating the services. We are asking in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Rusty’s church, Grace Gospel Church of Axtell, Texas.

Honorary Pallbearers: Cody Kirkland, Levi Kirkland, Leonard Tusa, Larry Lynch, Larry Bowers, Kenneth Vanek, Robert Polansky, Bud Koen, Karla Alton, Lawrence Machac, Jodie McAdams, Mark Ramburger, Craig Stricklin, Brad Skaggs, and Roy Davis