Robert J. Kirkpatrick – Sesser

Robert J. Kirkpatrick passed away February 7 due to heart complications at Barnes Hospital with his family at his side.

He was born January 15, 1927 in Sesser, IL where he attended schools. He was the son of William Virgil Kirkpatrick and Freda Atchison, and was raised by his grandparents, Harve and Maggie Atchison.

Bob married Lucille Underwood on July 27, 1950 and they have celebrated 64 years of marriage. Bob served as an Army Staff Sargent at end of WWII assigned to General MacArthur’s Headquarters in Manila and Japan. His 10 year career as a Railway Postal Clerk ended after a rail car accident. He enrolled in college and completed his BS in Accounting and Business from Southern Illinois University in three years. Bob became a Senior Bank Examiner with the FDIC, and eventually became President and Chairman of the Board, Bank of Sesser.

In the mid-60s he survived a near-fatal car accident which did not slow down his service to the community. Bob completed 30 years on school boards including Rend Lake College. He and Lucille were dedicated members of Sesser United Methodist Church. Bob served as Lay Leader and Finance Chair as well as Chair of Conference Finance & Administration. Having moved to Mt. Vernon, they became members of the First United Methodist Church there. Recognized for his continuous contributions, Robert received the Liberty Bell Award, Outstanding Chamber Member, and 2007 Distinguished Alumni Award for Sesser-Valier Schools.

Wearing many hats, he was Sesser Masonic Lodge Secretary for 35 years, honored as a 33rd degree Mason, and had active leadership roles over 50 years in the Ainad Shrine and Illinois Scottish Rite. Bob was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion.

Bob and Lucille loved to travel, visiting the vast majority of the U.S. and many parts of the world. In past years Bob spent time with WWII veterans and participated in an Honor Flight to DC.

He is survived by sons and wives Keith and Becky Kirkpatrick of Valparaiso, IN; and Rick Kirkpatrick & Jayne Sanders of Denver, CO; and daughter and husband, Kathy and Al Johnston of Galva, IL. There are six grandchildren (with spouses): Colin Kirkpatrick & Logan Wince, Burbank, CA; Jamie & Angela Kirkpatrick, Mackinaw, IL; Meghan Kirkpatrick, Chicago; Tyler & Beth Johnston, Galva, IL; Karly Johnston, Kewanee, IL; Troy Kirkpatrick, Carbondale, IL; great-grandchildren under two: Camden Johnston and Finch Kirkpatrick. He is survived by sisters Phyllis Corona, Helen Galloway, Virginia Brachear; and large numbers of close relatives including Wilbur & Winnie Van Horn and Aunt, Sadie Lewis. He is preceded in death by siblings Michael O’Sullivan, Terry O’Sullivan, and Susan Callihan.

Robert Kirkpatrick loved and was deeply dedicated to God, his family, his community, and his country.

Visitation will be on Friday, Feb. 13 from 5-to-8 p.m. at Brayfield Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser and on Saturday, Feb. 14, 10:00-1:00 p.m. at Mt. Vernon First United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be at 1:00 with burial to follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. Memorial gifts may be made to Shriners Hospital St. Louis, Sesser United Methodist Church, or Mt. Vernon First United Methodist Church.