Oscie Kirkland

On November 15, 1933, Oscie Howard Kirkland was born to W.H. “Bud” and Viola Williams Kirkland.  He went home to be with the Lord on May 15, 2023.  He grew up in Waxahachie where he graduated from Waxahachie High School in 1952.  He attended Paris Junior College on a football scholarship and served his country aboard the USS Wiseman, a U.S. Navy Destroyer.

Just prior to joining the Navy, Oscie married his childhood sweetheart, LaRue Wright.  She remained his wife from 1954 until her death in 1976.  In 1962 they welcomed their daughter, Leslea LaRue.

Upon returning from the Navy, Oscie became a vital part of the Waxahachie community, serving on boards and providing leadership to the Jaycees, the Chamber of Commerce, the Sardis Cemetery Association, Citizens National Bank, Waxahachie/Midlothian Airport and First United Methodist Church.

A dedicated employee, Oscie worked his way up through the Lofland Company, starting as a salesman and then being promoted to General Sales Manager, Vice President and, eventually, the President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of that multimillion-dollar company.   Oscie was instrumental in securing Waxahachie as the site for the company’s expansion.  He also served as the Chairman of the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute for Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas region and Chairman of Secure, Inc., a construction chemical manufacturer acquired by Lofland Company.

Oscie was a generous philanthropist and supported the fine arts programs of Waxahachie Independent School District and the Baylor Medical Center of Waxahachie.

Oscie grew up a cowboy and was what one relative called, “country strong”.  He was a skilled dancer, and excellent horseman and an avid golfer – shooting his age on more than one occasion!  He was known for his wisdom, physical strength, strength of character and gentle spirit.

Oscie was preceded in death by his parents and his wife LaRue. He is survived by his daughter Leslea Midkiff and her husband, Bill; grandson Preston Husted and his wife Theresa; grandson Patrick Husted and his wife Brittany.  He is also survived by step-grandsons Jason and Shane Midkiff and great grandchildren Gracelynn, Georgia, Landon and Owen.  He is also survived by his nephew, Jason Williams and his wife, Tracy, and their daughter Peyton.  And he is survived by his partner of the past 15 years, Glenda Brasher and her family.