Edward “Big Ed” Lee Kirkpatrick – Mulkeytown, IL

Edward “Big Ed” Lee Kirkpatrick, 69, of Mulkeytown, IL passed away on Thursday March 14th, 2024.

He was born December 8, 1954 in Chicago Heights, IL to Wayman and Maxine (Shepard) Kirkpatrick. On October 4,1980 he married the love of his life Becky (Sartor) and for almost 44 years they enjoyed building a quiet life together in the country. You could always find him wearing his Liberty bib overalls while he was gardening, fishing, chopping wood, or getting work done on his John Deere tractor.

He wanted to be outdoors as much as he could. Ed enjoyed his small farm of a donkey, chickens, turkeys, and goats. He especially loved his dogs Archie, Moses, Scruffy, and Ranger. He was very interested in history, reading countless books and watching movies on the subject. He took a particular interest in the American Civil War. Ed would often sit for hours listening to classic country music. Hoyt Axton being his favorite of all. He truly loved his country and served as precinct committeeman for many years.

Ed worked at Nascote Industries Inc. in Nashville, IL for almost 20 years. Big Ed loved sports and was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. He always said he wanted just one World Series Championship before he died and he was able to get his wish in 2016. He also loved Alabama football, Roll Tide! His favorite pastime of all was watching his two sons Eddie and Ben play sports. He never missed a game. Ed spent years investing his time as the president of the Valier Athletic Association. The Valier Storm won back to back National Championships, which was such a proud moment in his life. Ed always had a smile and was quick with a joke. More than anything he loved spending time with his family.

Ed is survived by his wife Rebecca; his two sons Eddie (Amy) Kirkpatrick of Beaverton, OR; Ben (Jenna) Kirkpatrick of Benton, IL; his four grandchildren Kaylee, Max, Kaden, Eli; sisters Joyce Kirkpatrick of Sesser, IL, and Gay Kirkpatrick of Stegar, IL. Celebration of Life will be held at the DuQuoin SDA Church (517 S. Jefferson, DuQuoin, IL 62832) on Saturday, April 13th at 3:00pm. Directly following the service will be a time of fellowship and refreshments.