Robert E. Kirkpatrick passed away at age 88 on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, IN surrounded by his family. Bob was born April 6, 1927 to George Marshall and Ada Bonnie (Counts) Kirkpatrick in the family home in Richland Township, near Wingate. Jill Marita (Wall), his wife of 58 years, survives him. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Cleo (Grafton) Longden and Imogene Butler and is survived by younger brother, Kenneth (Barbara) Kirkpatrick of Lafayette.
He was an integral part of the Fountain County community, participating in many activities such as Rural Youth, Quigle Palin American Legion Post as a Post Commander, United Methodist Church in Newtown, and the Hillsboro Nazarene Church. He graduated from Richland Township High School and then from Indiana Business College. Bob worked at the Attica Grain Company, Harrison Steel, Newport Army Ammunition Plant , and Teepak.
Bob served in the United States Army from 1951-1953. He served a tour (1951-1952) as a combat infantryman in the Korean Conflict. While serving as a machine gunner in Company D, of the 14th Infantry of the 25th Infantry Division in the Punchbowl area north of the 38th parallel, he was wounded by mortar or artillery fire the evening of June 16, 1952. He was medevac'd and eventually medically discharged as a result of his wounds. He received a Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal (with campaign star), and a United Nations Service Medal for his service. Bob proudly displayed the American flag and enjoyed seeing its daily presence. He is remembered for his great love of God, family, and country. Bob made conversation with everyone, never meeting a stranger, and loved to travel, making it to 47 of the 50 states before his death.
Bob and Jill married December 29, 1957 at the Veedersburg Nazarene Church where he was a member until its closure. They resided in Veedersburg where they raised their three children, George Andrew "Andy" (Lil) Kirkpatrick of Byron, Georgia, Lee Alan Kirkpatrick of Spartanburg, SC, and Marita Kay (Ron) Mahan of Dayton, OH. Bob was often found sharing pictures and stories of the three children; eight grandchildren, Nathan, Matthew (Kristen), Michael (Heather), Dana, and Emma Kirkpatrick and Elizabeth, Melissa, and Ronald Mahan; one great grandson, Dean Kirkpatrick; and four step grandchildren, Kyle (Chasity) and Christian Blanton and Jenna and Joseph Ruchala. Bob served as a strong Christian example in the lives of his nieces, nephews, and other extended family.
Bob's family will receive guests, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 4, 2016 at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 5, 2016 with Pastor Greg McDonald officiating. Burial will follow in Meharry Cemetery with military honors by Veedersburg American Legion. Memorial contributions may be made in Bob's name to the Western Indiana Community Foundation, Nazarene Church of Hillsboro, or the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).