SFC Lawrence Michael Kirkman was born on August 23, 1936 in Milwaukie, Wisconsin. He passed away on September 23, 2009 at his residence in Copperas Cove, Texas.
As a Native American, SFC Kirkman was a member of The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and was known as “Chief” by his friends.
SFC Kirkman served his country as a United States Marine from 1956 to 1959. He then served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1980, retiring with the rank of sergeant first class, and was a Vietnam Veteran. After his retirement, he worked in civil service at Fort Hood, Texas from 1983 to 2005. He was an avid motorcycle rider and was a member of the Killeen Harley Riders Club.
On September 30, visitation was held in the morning at Gethsemane Prayer Chapel. Patriot Guard Riders were present to form a line of American flags to welcome the arriving family and friends. Funeral services were at 1:00 p.m., and, again, Patriot Guard Riders formed a flag at the Chapel.
After the services, the Patriot Guard Riders rode in the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery and formed a flag line around the interment shelter at the Columbarium.
Final interment services included a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and 23rd Psalms. Full military honors were rendered, taps played, and an American flag was folded by the honor guard and presented to Mrs. Kirkman.
Traditional Indian prayers were offered by members of the Tribe.
Family members placed the urn containing the “Chief’s” remains into a niche of the columbarium which is nestled into the side of the hill of the cemetery. The American flag at the top of the hill was at half staff, in honor of this American hero.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 29 years, two daughters and numerous brothers, sisters, grand-children and great-children.
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