Dennis W Kirkman

Dennis W. Kirkman, age 86 of Morocco, Indiana and formerly of Bradley, passed away Sunday, December 1, 2024 at VNA Hospice Center in Valparaiso, IN. He was born May 21, 1938 in Bedford,IN, the son of Reverend L.L. and Ruth (Lowe) Kirkman. Dennis married Bette Hilt on February 14, 1994. Dennis attended Mt. Carmel High School and was a member of the Golden Aces where he was a three sport athlete. He was inducted into the Mount Carmel and BBCHS Hall of Fame. Dennis was an avid Chicago Cubs Fan and Chicago Bears Fan. He enjoyed fishing, traveling by truck, and spending time with his family and grandkids. Dennis was the Athletic Director at Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School for twenty-four years. He was a basketball and baseball coach in Dale, IN, Potomac IL, and Oblong, IL. Dennis received a basketball scholarship at McNeese State University in Louisiana. He completed his Bachelor of Science at Oakland City College in Oakland City, IN and his Master of Science at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN. Dennis was a veteran of the United States Army and the United States Air Force playing on the USAF Basketball team. Surviving is one son, Doug Kirkman of Vancouver, WA, one stepson John Drake of Goodyear, AZ; one daughter, Beth Kirkman of Morocco, IN; one sister, Rhonda (Bud) Howard of Mount Vernon; one sister-in-law, Becky Kirkman of Evansville, IN; four grandchildren, Lindsey (Joe) Wilcox, Alison Price, Christina (Andrew) Magruder, Stepheny Santella; eleven great grandchildren, Karmen, Delaney Sue, Henry, Bella, Ava, Emelia, Zoe, Delaney, Abigail, Cole, and R.J.; three nephews, Mark (Hannah) Kirkman, Seth Hodges, Jeff (Jennifer) Hodges; two nieces, Gail (Rob) Greene, Rhonda Rae Webber; great nieces and nephews, Xander, Emma, Ava, Dax, and Parker. Dennis is preceded in death by his first wife, Vonda Gehret; his parents; one brother, J.D. Kirkman; one sister, Janna Hodges; one nephew, Matt Kirkman; one niece, Angela Russ; one brother-in-law, Jerry Wilson; one stepson, Scott Drake; and one grandson, Michael Santella. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the 3:00 p.m. service on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, Bourbonnais. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Best Buddies Program at BBCHS 700 West North Street, Bradley, IL 60915. Please sign his guestbook at www.clancygernon.com.

Dennis W Kirkman

May 21, 1938 - December 1, 2024