Kalen Amir Kirk, 17, departed this earth to be with the Lord Monday, May 2, 2016 in Lakeland, Florida. He was born on April 27, 1999 in Topeka, Kansas to Tony Kirk, Sr. and Tiffany Criss. Love at first sight would be the best way to describe Kalen. With his dark chocolate complexion and silky black hair he quickly became the apple of his parent’s eye. He brought a lot of joy to everyone he came in contact with and quickly earned the first of many nicknames. His great-grandfather, Pastor W. L. Templeton referred to him as - “Mr. Innocent”; however, his sister, Juanice, insisted “Mr. Guilty” was most appropriate.

Kalen loved and enjoyed many pastimes. The things that made his motor run – those things he was most passion about - were skateboarding, the WWE, video games, eating, and most recently basketball. He was also known for his fashion and sported a vast sneaker collection. Through his passions and pastimes, Kalen grew close to many people including his dear friend, Vincent Carper. They were like brothers. Kalen lived life ON PURPOSE. He loved his mother, Tiffany, and he was his father’s shadow (until he got an IPhone). It was common to find Kalen doing his chores while watching WWE videos on his IPhone. His youngest love was his little brother, William, who affectionately called him “Bro-bro.”

Although Kalen was over 6 feet 3 inches, he was known as the “Gentle Giant” and the “Frito Slayer”. He had a sweet disposition, an angelic sprit, and a fierce love of good food. Kalen gave his life to the Lord on October 8, 2007 at the early age of 7. He was baptized by his great-grandfather, Rev. Dr. W. L. Templeton and became a member of Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. He developed a deeper connection with the Lord and began to lean in and experience the free life in Christ under the leadership of Pastor Scott Thomas and Youth Pastor, Erik Oliveras, as a member of Free Life Chapel in Lakeland, Florida. We learned that Kalen shared with a friend that his most comfortable place was at Free Life Chapel where he was loved and gave love in return. Before moving to Lakeland, Florida, he was a proud Topeka High Trojan. After moving, he became a proud George Jenkins Eagle.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Juanice Y. and Jerry Doby, William E.Craig and great-grandmother Barbara J. Templeton.
Kalen leaves behind to cherish his memory, his mother, Tiffany Criss (“Bonus" dad, Cliff); his father, Tony Kirk Sr. ("Bonus" mom, Lisa); his brothers, Tony Jr, William and Langston; his sisters, Juanice, Alexys, Emeri and Kennedy; his paternal grandparents, Roy and Jessie Kirk, Arnold and Annie Prayer; his maternal grandmother, Wynell Bradley-Craig, and great-grandfather W.L.Templeton. Kalen was a beloved uncle to five beautiful girls: Essence, Julyah, Carmen, Kimora and Mireya as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends who will truly miss him.

A scholarship will be established in Kalen's honor. His plan was to major in business administration with hopes to become a director for a non-profit organization to bless those less fortunate. The annual scholarship will ensure Kalen’s legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.

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