C. E. (Gene) Kirkham Jr.

Cyrus Eugene (Gene) Kirkham, Jr. passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, in Columbia. He was born in Canton, Oklahoma, on August 20, 1934, to Cyrus Eugene, Sr. and Cecile (Otwell) Kirkham. He was united in marriage to Micki McGuire on August 9, 1963, and to this union, two daughters were born: Julie Ann and Aaron Jill.

For more than forty years, Gene was an exemplary high school band director in Missouri, directing bands in Alton, Willow Springs, Aurora, and Jefferson City. Gene’s mother often told family that he had always wanted to be a band director, and, as early as primary school, he would stand in the yard on a parade day, waving a stick. Gene graduated from Enid High School in Enid, Oklahoma, where he was drum major of the high school band. He earned his Bachelors’ Degree from Central Oklahoma State University and his Masters’ Degree from the University of Mississippi. Symphonic and concert bands under his direction earned Superior “I” ratings at annual MSHAA Music Festivals for 36 consecutive years, and his marching bands were honored with invitations to numerous national events, including a Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C., the International Youth Band Festival in Canada, the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, and the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, California.

Gene was never comfortable with receiving personal honors and accolades, as he thought that he was just doing the work he loved. He believed that his students, parents, and supportive administrators were responsible for all the successes his bands received; nevertheless, he was given tributes throughout his life. On his 70th birthday, former band students from the little town of Alton, where his career began, gathered from across the country in Hammonds Tower in Springfield for a special evening of sharing and celebrating Alton Band memories and stories of how Gene had made a positive impact on their lives.

Career recognitions from the Aurora Community included receiving the Community Service Award; being named “Man of the Year” by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce; receiving the high school yearbook dedication; and being designated an honorary Chapter Farmer by the Aurora FFA. During his retirement years, Gene was named one of Aurora’ s prominent historical figures, with his image and history depicted in a mural panel created by Aurora High School students and displayed at the high school entrance. In 2021, he was inducted into the Aurora Community’s “Hall of Fame.”

Jefferson City honored him with the high school yearbook dedication, and, at his retirement, he received a proclamation from Missouri’s governor; the music wing of Jefferson City High School was named “Kirkham Hall,” and the Jefferson City Band Boosters established an annual music scholarship in his name. In 2010, he was named Jefferson City’s “Outstanding Retired Teacher.”

During his retirement years, he adjudicated music festivals throughout the United States. He also volunteered at Boone Hospital, frequently visited in senior facilities, as well as in hospital and nursing homes, and, for many years, he delivered Meals-on-Wheels.

Gene is survived by his wife, Micki; his children Julie Ann (Robert) Hill and Aaron Jill Flowers; and his

grandchildren: Emily Hill, Kevin (Bonnie) Hill, Katherine (Brandon) Benefield, Lucas Flowers, and Tucker Flowers, his sister, Sharon Gray, sister-in-law Donna (Don) Caruthers; brothers-in-law David McGuire and James McGuire, and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents and his twin brothers, Marvin and Melvin Kirkham.

Gene always loved flowers, and beautiful flowers defined everywhere he lived. Favorite family stories include those of his on-going battles with his twin brothers who wanted to build roads for their toy cars in his flower beds. Gene truly cared about people, and through his daily walks in the neighborhood, he knew many neighbors by name, as well as many of their life stories.

He treasured the gift of his precious daughters who were also students in his band, and his five grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was committed to supporting the grandchildren’s educations and attending their music and athletic activities, and they consistently felt his love and support. Gene also cherished wonderful memories of trips to Hawaii and Europe with grandchildren, and he was grateful to the caring doctors and medical staff who gave him bonus years to be with the family he loved.

Gene became a Christian at an early age. In Columbia, he was a member of The Crossing Church, where he had served as a greeter. He appreciated the Church’s commitment to teaching the Bible, as well as the friends and fellowship he experienced in Men’s Bible Studies. Previously, for more than twenty years, he had been a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where he was active in numerous ministries, including serving as a Deacon co-chair and directing The Drennan Singers Choir.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at The Crossing Church, 3615 Southland Drive, Columbia, Missouri, 65201, officiated by Crossing pastor Shay Roush, assisted by retired Disciples of Christ minister, Larry Veatch, with burial following at Columbia Cemetery, 30 E. Broadway; Columbia, Missouri 65203.

Memorial gifts are suggested to the Gene Kirkham music scholarship at Jefferson City High School; 609 Union; Jefferson City, MO (Make checks payable to Jay Band Boosters and add the memo: Gene Kirkham Scholarship fund); “Caring Hearts Caring Hands of Columbia”; 1307 W. Broadway; Columbia, MO 65203; or to The Crossing Church’s podcast ministry, which Gene enjoyed daily.

“If you’re early, you’re on time; if you’re on time, you’re late; if you’re late, you’re out of the picture.”