Bruce was born on Sept. 29, 1938, in Youngstown, a son of the late Clifford and Mary Wyllie Kirkland, and was a lifelong area resident.

He was a graduate of Austintown Fitch High School and proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

Bruce was an owner / operator trucker for Dallas and Mavis Trucking Company for 42 years. Following that career, he drove school bus for Canfield Local Schools for 10 years before retiring.

He was a member of Argus Masonic Lodge #545 F. & A.M., the Austintown Fraternal Order of Eagles #3298, a lifetime member of the AMA, and the Marine Corps League, where he served as Commandant and volunteered with the Toys for Tots program.

Bruce was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Sue Eason Kirkland.

He is survived by his son, Kenny (Carla) Kirkland of Vanceboro, North Carolina; daughters, Mary (John) Beardsley of West Palm Beach, Florida, Debbie Varie Bright of Coconut Creek, Florida, Jennifer (Jim) Viggiano of Rockford, Michigan, and Susan (Fred) Russell of Youngstown; 10 grandchildren, Tiffany Kirkland Paxton, Kenny (Kelsey) Kirkland Jr., Sgt. Kara Kirkland (USMC), Breanna Beardsley (Dustin) Donahue, Ashley Varie (Dustin) Roush, Joseph (Kelsee) Varie, Anthony Viggiano, Aiden Viggiano, Britnee Dyke (Dakota) Ledsome and Shawn Dyke Jr.; and 10 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, Bruce was preceded in death by a son, Randy Kirkland; a son-in-law, James Bright; and two brothers, Clifford Kirkland and Gerald Kirkland.

Friends may call from 10 until 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 23, at Lane Funeral Home, Canfield Chapel, with services to follow at noon, with military honors.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to his grandson, Shawn Dyke Jr., for the loving care he provided to his grandfather.

(special notice)

Bruce R. Kirkland 1938-2025

CANFIELD — Bruce R. Kirkland, 87, passed away early Tuesday morning, Dec. 16, 2025, at his residence.

Bruce was born Sept. 29, 1938, in Youngstown, a son of the late Clifford and Mary Wyllie Kirkland, and was a lifelong area resident.

He was a graduate of Austintown Fitch High School and proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

Bruce was the owner / operator of Dallas and Mavis Trucking Company for 42 years. Following that career, he drove a school bus for Canfield Local Schools for 10 years before retiring.

He was a member of Argus Lodge #545 F&AM of Ohio, the Austintown Fraternal Order of Eagles 3298, and a lifetime member of the AMA and the Marine Corps League, where he served as commandant and volunteered with the Toys for Tots program.

Bruce was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, the former Sue Eason.

He is survived by his son, Kenny Kirkland (Carla) of Vanceboro, North Carolina; daughters, Mary Beardsley (John) of West Palm Beach, Florida, Debbie Varie Bright of Coconut Creek, Florida, Jennifer Viggiano (Jim) of Rockford, Michigan, and Susan Russell (Fred) of Youngstown; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, Bruce was preceded in death by a son, Randy Kirkland; a son-in-law, James Bright; and two brothers, Clifford Kirkland and Gerald Kirkland.

Friends may call 10 to 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, at Lane Funeral Home, Canfield Chapel, with services to follow at noon.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to his grandson, Shawn Dyke Jr., for the loving care he provided to his grandfather.

(special notice)