Kirk S. Lawless

Kirk Stephen Lawless passed away on February 23, 2026, at the age of 66.

Born on July 21, 1959, in Jennings, Missouri, Kirk was the son of William (Bill) and Patricia Lawless.

Kirk is survived by his loving father, William Lawless; his children, Dana (Kristopher) Myers, Nicole (Gary) Bullington, Daniel (Suong) Lawless, Jennifer (Adam) Byrne, and Sean (Shelby) Lawless; his cherished granddaughters, Hailey, Heidi, Holly, Morgan, Reiley, Quinn, and Sophia; and his siblings, Mark (Monica) Lawless, Susan (Scott) Ahlemeyer, and Paula (Timothy) Benning.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 39 years, Lynda, and his mother, Patricia. Kirk was also a devoted uncle, cousin, and friend to many. To know him was to be welcomed into his extended family.

He attended Corpus Christi School and North County Tech before earning his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in Writing from Lindenwood University. Kirk dedicated 28 years of distinguished service to law enforcement, including 25 years with the Florissant Police Department. Throughout his career, he served in numerous specialized roles, including SWAT operator and entry team member, clandestine lab investigator, undercover officer, detective, field training officer, and homicide investigator with the Major Case Squad. He received many commendations and recognitions for his service, including the Medal of Valor. Above all, Kirk took pride in being what he called a “policeman’s policeman.”

Following retirement, Kirk found renewed joy in writing. He was a longtime contributor to The Blue Magazine and was honored with the 2022 Senior Journalist of the Year Award.

Above all else, Kirk was a devoted Christian with a deep and abiding love for God. His faith was the foundation of his life—guiding his service, strengthening him through loss, and shaping the compassion and loyalty he showed to others.

Kirk loved his family more than anything—animals being a very close second—and counted many lifelong friends as family. He formed friendships across the globe, and with Kirk, you always knew exactly where you stood. He never missed an opportunity to tell someone he loved them, often greeting friends with his signature, “Hey now.”

He was loyal, stubborn, artistic, creative, fiercely proud of his Irish heritage, and known for his love of a good beard. He had a quick wit and would be the first to tell you he was funny—and good-looking, too. A devoted music fan, he proudly claimed his status as a Deadhead and a lover of ZZ Top. He cherished family beach vacations and peaceful days spent trout fishing.

As Kirk would often say, “Have yourselves a good look now, for when I’m gone you’ll never see the likes of a man like me again.” And he was right. There will never be anyone quite like Kirk—affectionately known to many as “Cracky.” He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Memorial contributions may be made in Kirk’s name to The BackStoppers.