Kirklan Behner remembered by pastors, Warren mayor

WARREN — Two pastors from Genesis Christian Community Center of Niles who knew Kirklan Behner, 15, one of the six teens who died in a Sunday-morning car accident on Niles-Warren River Road, a mile south of downtown, described his charismatic personality during a funeral service today at NorthMar Church.

It was the first of the six funerals that will take place each day through Tuesday.

Pastor Anthony L. Davis and Assistant Pastor Troy Woods both knew the teen because of his involvement in Mind, Body and Soul, the church’s outreach ministry in the Trumbull Homes apartments, where Kirklan lived.

“I understand that most of you feel that life was taken way too short,” Pastor Davis said. “And in my own flesh, I questioned God, I said ‘Lord not Kirklan. It’s too soon, God. How can you do this to me?’

“God had to remind me that his time ain’t like our time. He also had to remind me that he doesn’t take everyone through the same process of promotion. God said I have something better than just a high-school diploma.’”

Mayor Doug Franklin knew Kirklan of two different cleanup projects where Franklin worked along side the teen.

“He had something that caused adults to gravitate to him,” Franklin said. “He had a joyful spirit that was contagious. From that point on, I felt like he was a part of my family.”

For the complete story, read Saturday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com