Dayton Lamar Kirkland moved to heaven on April 19, 2025. He was born in Florida on January 1, 1932. After high school he served in the United States Air Force, where he was honored with the distinguished flying cross. Afterwards, he worked for Newport News Shipbuilding for 35 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley West Kirkland; and leaves to cherish his memory, his two children, Karen Kennedy (Robert) of Newport News, Virginia, and Gary Lamar Kirkland of Los Angeles, California; two grandchildren, David (Ashley), and Lauren (Nathan); and four great grandchildren, Connor, Carson, Alaina, and Keegan.

The family would like to thank the Hidenwood Retirement Community for their years of loving care, and Traditions Health for their support.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 25, 2025 at Parklawn Memorial Park, Hampton, Virginia.