Former Liberty County Judge Lloyd “Tookie” Kirkham, who dedicated 12 years of his life to serving the county until his retirement in 2006, passed away on Monday, April 29. His death at age 81 leaves behind a legacy of committed public service and leadership that has deeply impacted the community. Kirkham had been grappling with his health since suffering a stroke several years ago.
Throughout his tenure as county judge, Kirkham was highly respected for his fairness, wisdom, and steadfast dedication to the well-being of Liberty County residents. His influence extended far beyond the courthouse, with his leadership instrumental in the realization of various projects, including the SH 105 bypass in Cleveland.
Even after stepping down as county judge, Kirkham continued to be affectionately addressed as “Judge” by many Liberty County residents, a testament to the lasting impact of his service. His counsel and pragmatic approach to county governance were sought after by numerous officials, serving as a mentor to several, including the current Liberty County Judge Jay Knight, Pct. 2 Commissioner Greg Arthur, and State Rep. Ernest Bailes. Throughout the challenges posed by declining health, Kirkham’s opinions remained highly valued and well-informed.
Reflecting on Kirkham’s influence, Judge Knight emphasized, “He was a good man to sit and talk to about county government. He always stressed that we as elected officials are here to serve the people. He said to never forget that.”
While the county has changed a lot since 2006 due to an explosion in growth and an increase in population, Kirkham’s opinions were still solidly based, Knight said.
“He had seen it all and he kept up with things. As the county started growing, I would go visit him and toss out ideas, even about building the new sheriff’s office and county jail. For Tookie, it was always about the balance. He would say, ‘If you do this, you have to take it away from someplace else to make it work.’ You have to balance the financial side and still serve the people,” Knight said.
Knight said he will remember the front porch talks with Kirkham at his home in Tarkington, a recollection shared by Commissioner Arthur and State Rep. Ernest Bailes, who also had their front porch talks with Kirkham.
Arthur said news of Kirkham’s death, while expected, is devastating.
“I was there last week to see him and was going to visit him again today. Tookie and I have been friends forever,” said Arthur, sharing that their friendship began decades ago while Arthur served in other capacities including sheriff and DPS sergeant for Liberty County.
“He swore me into office every time I was reelected. This last time I was reelected, he was not able to make it to the courthouse because of his health, so he swore me in at his home,” Arthur said. “Tookie and I talked about everything. I could tell him about things going on and have all the confidence in the world that what he told me was something I could rely on.”
Tarkington always held a special place in Kirkham’s heart, as his family’s roots run deep in the area. Descended from some of the earliest settlers in the region, Kirkham’s connection to Tarkington was a source of pride throughout his life.
State Rep. Bailes reminisced about accompanying Kirkham on drives through Tarkington and Liberty County, where he absorbed the rich historical accounts of the area’s inhabitants spanning multiple generations. Despite facing declining health, Kirkham had an unwavering interest in current affairs. Even during a recent primary election, with his health failing, Kirkham demonstrated his commitment by appearing at the polls to cast his vote, Bailes said.
“Mr. Tookie was rock solid and truly one of a kind. He helped me immensely from my very first campaign, loaded up in my truck and we went all over Liberty County to put up signs and to meet folks. Even as his health was failing, it was good to see him on his front porch where he wanted to know everything that was going on and what I was doing. He loved people and was a dear friend who will be missed by everyone,” Bailes said.
News of the judge’s passing soon reached U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (TX-36).
“I was saddened to hear of the passing of my good friend, longtime Liberty County Judge Lloyd ‘Tookie’ Kirkham. He was a patriarch in the surrounding community, a wonderful mentor to many, a fantastic athlete and a devoted public servant. I’ve appreciated his support and friendship over the years and send my deepest sympathies to his wife, Cordella, and loved ones. He will certainly be missed by all,” Babin said.
Kirkham was married to his wife, Cordella, for 60 years. His survivors included daughters Kem and her husband, Scott Lewis, and Kehle and her husband, Eldon Lewis; grandchildren Rachel Oliver and husband, Jared, Colby Arnold, Parker Lewis and Charli Lewis; and great-grandchildren, River and Jaxon Oliver.
Visitation for Kirkham will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at Oak Shade Baptist Church in Tarkington. His service will follow at 2 p.m. with burial to follow at Oak Shade Cemetery.
