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Charles Kirkland Obituary
CHARLES KIRKLAND
Charles Kirkland, 89, passed away on February 6, 2010. Charles graduated from Roosevelt High School. He lettered in track and was the Gary Golden Gloves Champion. Charles went to Hampton Institute before being drafted into the military. He served over 30 years of honorable service in World War II and the Korean Conflict. Charles won the Medal of Valor and Defense Meritorious Service medals. After graduation from Hampton in business management and real estate, he worked as the owner-operator, real estate broker, and general contractor for the House of Charles Real Estate Company and the owner-operator of DCC Mortgage Brokerage. Later he founded Kirkland's Auction Company, where he served for the rest of his life as a state certified and licensed, professional auctioneer. Charles was an avid political activist. He worked as a Precinct Committeeman and Third District Captain. In 1963, he became the first Black person to run for county-wide office. In the same year, Charles served as the Gary Campaign Manager for the first Black citizen to run for U.S. President. He was recently commended as an honoree for the 2nd annual Central District Love Award by the Central District Organizing Project, which recognizes and celebrates those who have dedicated their lives to carrying on work for peace and social justice. A wake will be held at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, February 21 at First Baptist Church, 626 West 21st Ave., in Gary, IN. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 22 - also at the church. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetary, Gary IN. Mr. Kirkland is survived by his daughter Charmayne Kirkland; son Andrew Kirkland, his late son Charles Kirkland, his stepsons Galen and Bryan Kirkland, grand-daughter Rachael, great grand-daughter Patience Oashana; grandsons Joseph, Andrew Jr. and Sir Llyod Charles Kirkland.
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Memories and Condolences
for Charles Kirkland
Sponsored by Charmayne Kirkland and posthumously for Charles Kirkland Jr., in loving memory of Charles Sr. .
Etosha Howard
June 5, 2024
There's nothing one could ever say to mend the hole that pain, has seem to fill. All is left is to listen and love.
LOVE ALWAYS YOU WILL BE MISSED!
Mary Izzo
June 3, 2012
Charmayne, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I know how hard this must have been for you as I lost my Dad in 2008. My heart goes out to you and your family. I hope you are doing well and send my love to all. Mary Powell Izzo.
February 23, 2010
To the Family of Charles Kirkland
I share in your sorrow and regretting I could not share with you in person because of a previous engagement. Mr. Kirkland gave me my first job at the House of Charles Real Estate over forty years ago. He made me become a perfect typist by his insistence that every letter which left the office was perfect. He and Bloomie were great friends of mine.
May God grant him eternal rest.
Vera Wadley Harley
Gary, Indiana
Jihad Muhammad
February 23, 2010
May ALLAH forgive him of his sins and grant him Paradise!!! He truly "Lived life like he had forever and Lived each day as if it was his last."
Peace and Blessings
Mr. Kirkland
Terry Mutakabbir
February 23, 2010
My condolences to the Kirkland family. My father was his roommate in college at Hampton Institute, and he always speaks fondly of him. He will be missed.
Sabir Omar-Muhammad
February 22, 2010
My condolences to the family of Mr. Charles Kirkland. Mr. Kirkland was a true Renaissnace man and a man of conviction. I will forever be grateful for the kindness that he showed me personally as well as to the fledgling Nation of Islam Study Group in the early 1990's. May God be pleased with him and show him the Paradise.
Theodore McClendon
February 22, 2010
Mr. Kirkland was a unique and progressive individual. He will be sorely missed.
Rex Brown
February 22, 2010
May we all be Good salt as God wanted us to be living a life of adventure and blessing those all around us! Mr. Kirkland was truly Good Salt! (Matthew 5:13)
February 21, 2010
My condolences to your family. May God grant you the comfort that only he can (2nd Corint. 1:3 & 4). You are in my prayers.
Richard Gordon Sr.
February 20, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
george Fields
February 17, 2010
I remember Mr. Kirkland at the First Baptist Church , and his Beloved wife Bloomie. They are reunited together. Very long time faithful member of First Baptist.
Debra K. Smith
February 17, 2010
Another pillar to the community has gone home. He helped so many pepole during his lifetime. May God comfort you during your tme of sorrow.
Vera Johnson
February 15, 2010
Among Mr. Kirkland's many credits, he served as the elected treasurer for the Gary Branch NAACP. It was a pleasure and never a dull moment working with him. He will be missed. God bless you. Former elected Secretary of the GB NAACP.
Vera Johnson
February 15, 2010
Among his many credits, Mr. Kirkland served the NAACP for many years in the elected office of the Treasurer. It was a pleasure to work with him. He will be missed. Vera Johnson, fomer elected secretary of the NAACP Gary Branch.
G.Austin/ Moler Hairstyling College
February 15, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Charles Kirklen 9/10/1935
Charles Kirklen
February 15, 2010
I will miss Mr. Kirkland and the fun times we had together when we would both introduce ourselves as
Charles Kirkland(Kirklen).May the family rejoice in knowing that he is resting in a better place.
Ms.Ev / Moler Hairstyling College
February 14, 2010
To the family of Mr.Charles Kirkland,
I am so sorry to hear about your love one, Mr.C. Kirkland. A couple years ago I started cutting Mr. Kirkland's hair, he would always say "just a lil off the top". He would then nod off in a light sleep, when he was awakened he would say "you cut too much off the top and give a great big smile". He was truly a good person and I know he'll be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your famiy in your time of grief.
Gregory & Dorothy Smith
February 14, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Robert Banks
February 14, 2010
Mr.Kirkland will alway's stand out in my mind as a man who was, truly a tireless worker and one whohad, the will and spirit of a man half his age, he was a proud american and was a pleasure to watch during public meeting's I will miss him ,as we all will. Robert .E. Banks
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