Franklin Derald Kirkland

Franklin Derald Kirkland Sr., 89, was born in Liberty, Mississippi, on May 19, 1935, and moved to his heavenly life on January 19, 2025, surrounded by family. He was a good man and will be forever missed. 

Derald resided in Minden with his wife of 50 years, Mary Jo, whom he loved deeply. His family moved to Minden in 1951, and he graduated from Minden High School in 1953. Derald was a caring, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. His greatest loves were God, family, fishing, and gardening, in that order. Fishing brought him peace and happiness. He often told stories of fishing with his brothers, fish grabbing from logs, and the joy of seeing his children and grandchildren pulling in their first fish. After retiring from South Central Bell, Derald opened a local business, Minden Telephone Service. He spent retirement traveling with his family, perfecting his world-famous fish fry with delicious homemade hushpuppies, and challenging and gifting family and friends with his prized tomatoes. 

He was preceded in death by parents Nettie Alta Van Norman Kirkland and Benton L. Kirkland, stepmother, Irma Ruth Kirkland; siblings, BL Kirkland Jr., Carrie Kirkland, Paul Kirkland, Carl Kirkland, his twin brother, Gerald Kirkland; his son, Franklin Derald Kirkland Jr.; and daughters, Linda Kirkland, Judy Paul, and Jo Ellen Paul. 

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Skinner Kirkland; daughters, Renee Kirkland Carlisle (Keith) and Patty Paul Smith (Andrew); son, Lem Grigsby; brothers, Perry Kirkland, John Kirkland, and Mike Kirkland, sister, Alta K. Roberts, grandchildren, Michael Cruse, Ben Grigsby, Kellie Linton, Jeremy Kirkland, Joey Bagwell, Paul Duffield, Daniel Larroux, Elizabeth Larroux, Amanda Redding, Grant Ackerman, and Hayden Ackerman; and 13 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, and beloved nephews, nieces, and friends who will remember him for his great love and kindness. 

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 24, at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church -West Chapel. Interment will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Minden, Louisiana under the direction of Rose Neath Funeral Home in Minden. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Derald to the Minden St. Jude Foundation.