Christopher M. Kirkwood, 50, of Olney, died Saturday, September 1, 2012, at his residence.  Funeral services at Summers-Kistler Funeral Home with Pastor Paul Goss officiating. Burial in Haven Hill Memorial Gardens with special rites by Fraternal Order of the Police.

Chris was born August 22, 1962, in Killeen, Texas (Fort Hood), the son of Dr. Michael T. and Judith S. (Ritter) Kirkwood.

He was a Sheriff's Deputy at Richland County Sheriff's Department. He was a black belt in karate and enjoyed mixed martial arts. He was a gun enthusiast and was a firearms instructor with Richland County Sheriff's Department. He was an avid reader and enjoyed historical and Stephen King novels. Chris loved his family, his profession and his country. He was of the Christian faith.

Chris is survived by his daughter, Lyndsey Kirkwood, of Olney; father, Dr. Michael T. Kirkwood and his wife, Judith A., of Vincennes, Ind.; brother, Joel Kirkwood and his wife, Beth, of Evansville, Ind.; stepbrother, Scott Kirkwood, of Las Vegas, Nev.; and uncle, Dave Parrish, of Beardstown.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Howard and Edith Ritter; mother, Judith Ritter; and aunt, Susan Parrish.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL) ~ September 4, 2012