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Steven Kirkham Obituary
Knoxville, TN
Steven Dorsey Kirkham, a resident of west Knoxville, passed away in his home on Saturday, August 20 at the age of 72 following a long and brave battle with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Steve is survived by his wife of almost 31 years, Kathy; two sons, Jason (and wife Donna), and Brad (and wife Jennifer). He is also survived by 2 grandsons, Thomas and Matthew; his brother, Kent Kirkham (Jan) of Grenada, MS; his sisters, Nancy Hall (Jerry) Ames, IA and Sharon Symonds-Cron (Ray) Urbandale, IA; plus numerous nieces and nephews.
Steve was born in 1943 on a farm near Anita, Iowa to William and Verlaine Kirkham. He attended Drake University, where he received both an undergraduate and JD degree. He then joined the Navy, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and served in the Judge Advocate General's office. After leaving the Navy, his career included serving in executive positions in Richmond, Virginia, Cincinnati, Ohio, and in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Steve was proud of his Navy career, and loved a good conversation or a good joke. Most of all, he loved his family. He lived a life that was true to his values of honesty, integrity, and always kindness.
Receiving of friends will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 10:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 9076 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923. Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Alzheimer's Foundation (www.alz.org) would be appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steven Kirkham
Sponsored by anonymous.
Rebecca McMichael
August 24, 2016
Brad,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. I know you will miss him. Thinking of you.
Rebecca McMichael
Sharon
August 24, 2016
My other message has a word in it that is a typo. Steve was my wonderful brother. I miss our phone conversations of the past years. My thoughts and prayers are with Kathy and family.
August 24, 2016
Love you and miss you.
Courtney (Gill) Walters
August 24, 2016
Condolences to Steve's family at this time. We were neighbors of the Kirkhams many years ago - he was such a kind man. Always a smile on his face!
Kent Kirkham
August 24, 2016
Steve was a wonderfully caring husband, father, brother and son.
I will miss our conversations and visits.
Love Kent
Robin Car ver
August 23, 2016
So sorry for your loss, Thoughts and Prayers for the family.
Deborah Hulsey
August 23, 2016
Prayers and hugs.
Sharon
August 23, 2016
Steve was a great brotheresource and person. Love you and miss you.
Ron Justus
August 23, 2016
I enjoyed my time with Steve. He really helped my office during his time as being in charge of HR. He will be missed.
Renee Harwell
August 23, 2016
Steve recruited me to Knoxville in 1996 and to C&J in 1999. He was a good friend and a champion. Steve was always a delight to visit with and truly understood the difference between "counsel" and "attorney", being a fine counselor of law. He'll be missed. My sincerest condolences to you and your family, Kathy.
Ron Diddy
August 23, 2016
Condolences to the Kirkham Family. Enjoyed Steve and his spirit as a high school classmate...class of 61.
Lots of good memories.
Prayers for Steve and entire family.
Misty Brown
August 23, 2016
Kathy,
I'm so very sorry for Steve's loss. Please know that you and your family are being kept close in thought and prayer during this difficult time.
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