Donald "Don" Kirkland, 66, of Benton, passed away Thursday, December 15, 2011 at his home. He was retired from TVA where he was a foreman and also worked as a deputy with the Polk County Sheriff's Department. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He was a member of Old Ocoee Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, F. Clyde and Lois Newton Kirkland; sisters, Betty June "B. J." Firestone and Brenda Kirkland; and grandparents, George and Maggie Newton and Jim and Rosa Lee Kirkland. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Eaves Kirkland of Benton; children, Patti (Jeffery Passmore) Frazier of Chattanooga, Kristan True and fiancé, Ronnie Ledford, Jr. of Cleveland and Nathan "Grant" Kirkland and wife, Liz of Cleveland; grandchildren, Angelia Royse and husband, Matt, Brandie Wolfe and husband, Adam, Chasie "Mandy" (James Bell) Frazier, Caleb True, Camryn Dunn and Ethan Kirkland; great grandchildren, Lilli Royse, Mason Royse and Cameron Wolfe; sister, JoAnn Lewis and husband, Jimmy of Benton; aunts, Edith Newton, Minnie Price and Bobbie Birchwood; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at Higgins Funeral Home with the Reverend Paul White officiating. Interment will be held Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Brock Cemetery with military honors. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Kirkland family guest book at www.higginsfuneral.com.