Michael Kirchoff

Michael "Mike" Allen Kirchoff, age 57 of Independence, Kansas died Monday, May 30, 2016 at his home in Independence, Kansas.

Cremation has taken place. Celebration of Life Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 3, 2016 at the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas with Stephen Brandon officiating.

Michael was born November 7, 1958 in Independence, Kansas, the son of Billy Max and Barbara Louise (Kirchoff) Payton. Mike grew up in Independence, Kansas and graduated from Independence High School. On November 8, 1975 Mike entered the United States Army serving for one year.

On January 29, 1978, Mike married the love of his life, Linda Ann Spalding, in Longton, Kansas. The couple made their home in Independence, Kansas. Mike worked in the oil fields in the area before moving to Texas in 1984, where he worked as a field engineer on several commercial construction projects, including the Frito-Lay National Headquarters in Plano, Texas. In 1986, they moved to Kansas City, Missouri where Mike worked concrete construction. They moved to Wichita, Kansas in 1988, where he went to work for Beechcraft on the Starship project. Mike then worked at Boeing Military Aircraft Company for 10 years. Mike and family moved back to Independence to help take care of his father in 1999. Mike worked as a sports writer for the Independence Daily Reporter, he worked in the engineering department at the Montgomery County Department of Public Works, Cessna Aircraft and later, was the sports editor for the Coffeyville Journal. Mike was a master pattern builder, wrote articles for several different model magazines and was internationally published by Osprey Modeling for his build of the T-34/76 Russian tank. He played drums in several local bands, most recently Uncle Jedi, out of Joplin MO. Mike had a dynamic personality and adored his family.

Survivors include his wife, Linda, of the home; mother Barbara Payton of Independence; three daughters Lori and husband Gary McPherson Jr., LeAnn Kirchoff and Lindsey Garcia all of Independence; brothers and sisters include Gina Payton , Steven & Kathie Brandon, Mary Batye, Randy & Sandy Michael, Matthew Myers, Tony & Linda Spalding, John Spalding, Scott & Missy Britain, Don & Cheryl Britain; 12 grandchildren that dearly loved their Papa: Michael, Jordan, Jada, Liandria, Mikah, MaTaya, Jayden, Jaylen, MaNiya, Kaylee, JaLia and MaKara.

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