James Robert "Bob" Kirkland age 86 of Lebanon, passed away Monday, November 21, 2022 at Liberty Care Center in Liberty, KY. He was born March 24, 1936 in Springfield to the late James and Elizabeth Harmon Kirkland. He was a member of the Bradfordsville Baptist Church. Bob was a former City Commissioner of Bradfordsville. Bob was a life-long farmer, happiest on his combine harvesting his crops. One summer, he spent time in Eastern Washington combining wheat. He was one of the first farmers in Marion County to grow soybeans. He was named Outstanding Young Farmer in Marion County in 1968 and was named Outstanding Farmer by the Lebanon-Marion County Chamber of Commerce in 1993. He served a term on the Board of Directors of Southern States Lebanon Cooperative.

Bob loved to travel and visited all 50 states. He enjoyed spending time at the Florida Flywheelers Antique Tractor Show and visiting antiques tractor shows all over the country.  He was a John Deere tractor man-his restored 730 John Deere was one of his favorite, and he enjoyed displaying it at Ham Days.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia "Patsy" Hardesty Kirkland; parents, James and Elizabeth Harmon Kirkland; sister, Margaret Kirkland; and great-grandson, Curt Nalley.

Survivors include his sons, Jim (Peggy) Kirkland, and Joe Pat (Jennifer) Kirkland, both of Bradfordsville; daughter, Charlotte (Tony) Kirkland Purdom of Bradfordsville; brother, Sonny (Eularay- deceased); sisters, Dorothy (Johnny-deceased) Elder, and Sue (Gerald-deceased) Benningfield; grandchildren, Brandy Gribbins, Leanne Wright, Elijah Kirkland, Kevin Purdom, and Steven Purdom; also surviving are 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, November 27, 2022 at Bosley Funeral Home with Dr. Robert Barr officiating. Interment will follow in Old Liberty Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 P.M. Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Bosley Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Kevin Purdom, Wesley Purdom, Kyle Purdom, Elijah Kirkland, Chad Gribbins, Luke Nalley, and Stephen Purdom.