Obituary: Donald H. Kirkham, 85; Stratford Pastor

STRATFORD, CT — (From Dennis & D'Arcy Funeral Home): Donald H. Kirkham, 85, Pastor Emeritus of the Stratford United Methodist, died on December 4, 2023, of complications of Lewy Body Dementia.

Born in 1938 to the late Phillip and Mary Anne Kirkham in Sydney, Australia, he was educated at Fort Street Boys’ High School, Bathurst Teachers’ College, and the University of Sydney. He taught elementary school and worked for the Commonwealth Office of Education.

In 1966, Don came to the United States to study at Drew University, where he earned a Bachelor of Divinity. While Assistant Minister at St. James Methodist Church in Lynbrook, New York, he met his future wife, Phebe Weissner, and decided to stay in the United States.

After being ordained in the United Methodist Church, Don began his ministry in East Village (Monroe). He earned a PhD at Duke University, where he was a Dempster Fellow, before continuing his ministry in West Haven.

After teaching theology at Phillips University Divinity School in Enid, Oklahoma, he returned to Connecticut to lead churches in Darien and then Stratford. He continued to teach, focusing on Methodist History and Polity at Yale Divinity School. He was appointed District Superintendent for Central Connecticut and after completing his term, went to Jesse Lee (Easton).

Even in retirement, Don served when called, acting as Interim at Monroe. Don was on the Board of Ordained Ministry, United Methodist Homes, and was a delegate to the World Methodist Conference.

In his later years, Don spent his summers at his lake cottage in New Hampshire, sailing, canoeing, and observing the eagles and loons. He collected Methodist and John Wesley memorabilia, and researched his family history, publishing Eastenders: The Kirkhams from Poplar.

With more time to devote to writing, he was able to revise his doctoral dissertation into a book: Outside Looking In: Early Methodism as Viewed by its Critics, which won the 2020 Saddlebag Selection Award.

He was predeceased by his sister Janet. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Phebe, daughter Phebe (Eric), son Jonathan (Sarah), grandchildren Phebe, Graydon, Keaton and Katherine, and several nieces and nephews. His surviving family in Australia includes a niece, two nephews, and cousins, whom he remained in close contact with and frequently visited.

A Memorial service will be held on at the Stratford United Methodist Church, 2600 Main Street on Saturday, December 16 at noon (12 p.m.).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, The United Methodist Committee on Relief, or a charity of your choice.