Donald Kirkham, 86, passed away peacefully with his family present on January 16, 2024. He was born in Brazil, Indiana, March 25, 1937, to Walter and Helen (Emmert) Kirkham. On May 23, 1957, he married LaVonna Riddel and together they created a loving home for themselves, their two daughters and their son.
After graduating high school, Don became an Indiana State Trooper, a position he held for twenty-three years. After retirement, he served Knox County as its sheriff for two terms. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting. Don was a devoted family man. He attended the Union Methodist Church in Brazil, Indiana, where they resided. They recently moved to Washington due to health issues.
Those who now mourn Don’s passing include his wife of sixty-six years, LaVonna Kirkham; daughters, Debra Sue (Chris) White of Washington and Donna (Don) Yagle of Diane, Texas. Don was blessed with seven grandchildren: Shannon (Jeff) Hearron; Dereck Yagle; Chad (Lauren) White; Josh (Amy) White; Donnie Kirkham; Claire Kirkham; and Devine Kirkham; and six great-grandchildren: McKenzie Hearron; Kendall Hearron; Nora White; Riley White; Riker Jackson; and Dyllan Yagle. Don leaves a sister, Marilyn (Wayne) Burns and a sister-in-law, Jo Ann Brewer.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Walter Kirkham, and his son, Douglas “Doc” Kirkham.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be left online at www.edleemortuary.com.
The staff of the Ed L. Lee Mortuary is honored to care for Don Kirkham and his family in their time of loss.
