Steven Blaine Kirkland was born August 4, 1960, in Borger, Texas, the third of five sons born to Bob & Nellie (Foreshee) Kirkland. He went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 25, 2013, at the age of 52 years.

Steven was raised up in Yeager, Oklahoma, and later moved to Wetumka. He attended schools at Wetumka, Yeager, and Holdenville.

He married Melissa Anne Cowell on December 23, 1994, in Yeager.

He worked for many years as a roughneck in the oilfield. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, and shooting guns with his brothers, and he liked gardening.

He attended Wetumka First Baptist Church, where he gave his life to Christ on April 21, 2013, and was baptized on May 5, 2013. He held Bible studies every weekend with his family.

He passed away at Oklahoma Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bob & Nellie Kirkland; grandparents, Troy & Mildred Kirkland; two uncles, Edward Kirkland and Wendell Kirkland; nephew Matthew Kirkland.

He is survived by his wife, Melissa, of the home; three sons: Kerry Cowell and wife Shondell, and Jeffery Cowell and wife Kristin, all of Seminole, and Steven Wakefield and wife Cassidy of Holdenville; eight grandchildren; four brothers: Bobby Kirkland of Durant, Billy Kirkland and wife Rhonda, Joe Kirkland and wife Wendy, all of Holdenville, and David Kirkland and wife Misty of Lamar; six nieces and nephews, numerous other family members, and many friends.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 29, 2013, 10:00 a.m. at Faith Free Will Baptist Church in Holdenville, and Steven will be laid to rest at Long Grove Cemetery, Scipio, Oklahoma.

Rev. Ray Breenden is the officiating minister.

Pallbearers are Bobby Kirkland, Billy Kirkland, Joe Kirkland, David Kirkland, Kerry Cowell, and Levi Sanford.

Honorary pallbearers are, Jeffery Cowell, Steven Wakefield, Ray Ray Dyer, and Allen Tillery.