Dennis Joaquin Kirkland

Dennis Joaquin Kirkland, 56, of Tucson, who retired from the Air National Guard as a lieutenant colonel, died on Sept. 28, 2011, at Northwest Hospital in Tucson. Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Tuesday at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Mr. Kirkland was born on Oct. 25, 1954, in Casa Grande. He graduated from Casa Grande Union High School and Central Arizona College and received a degree from the University of Phoenix. During his career as a full-time employee of the Guard, he served 13 months in Turkey. He loved team roping and golf and was an avid Dodgers fan. He liked telling stories about growing up in Casa Grande. Survivors include a daughter, Rebecca Kirkland of Tucson; a son, Dwane Kirkland of Las Vegas, Nev.; his father and stepmother, Dennis E. and June Kirkland of Casa Grande; a brother, Noel T. Kirkland of Chandler; and a grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela, and his mother, Neva Kirkland. Memorial contributions may be made to Casa Grande Valley Historical Society. J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.