Thomas Kirkpatrick Obituary

On Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009, Col. Thomas Killgore Kirkpatrick passed away at home in Baton Rouge after a lengthy and fierce battle with cancer. Although he possessed a will of steel that brought him great military and professional success, he melted when surrounded by his family. Col. Kirkpatrick was a deacon and faithful Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church in Baton Rouge. He taught classes even while undergoing chemotherapy, teaching his last class six months prior to his death. He began his military career July 14, 1969, as a private in the U.S. Army. He received a direct commission in the Judge Advocate General Corps and served four years on active duty, reaching the rank of captain. Tommy joined the National Guard in 1975 and served on various positions including military judge, state judge advocate, deputy STARC commander and retired commander of the 61st Troop Command. He served for more than 30 years in the military. This service included acting as general counsel of the National Guard Association of the United States. Col. Kirkpatrick was especially proud to have served as the director of Youth Challenge, a program for at-risk youth located in Carville. Under his direction, the program at Carville won the national program of the year. His military education includes the JAG Advanced Course, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, pre-command courses and the U.S. Army War College. Col. Kirkpatrick graduated from Lee High in Baton Rouge and held a bachelor of science degree in business and a juris doctorate from LSU in Baton Rouge. After practicing law in Baton Rouge for many years, he left private practice to assume the director's position with the National Guard's Youth Challenge program. His final government service was as general counsel for the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. During his service, he was appointed as the state coordinating officer and alternate governor's authorized representative for hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He was affectionately called "Colonel K" by his co-workers who described him as "an outstanding leader, champion and humanitarian in his selfless drive to assist the local parishes and citizens of Louisiana in recovering from the worst disaster in our country's history." Col. Kirkpatrick was a life member of the National Guard Associations of the United States and state of Louisiana. He served on the boards of the Baton Rouge Area United Way, Salvation Army and Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge. His awards and decorations were numerous. He received the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with four bronze oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star, Vietnam Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with silver hourglass, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Louisiana Legion of Merit, Louisiana Emergency Service Medal with two bronze fleur-de-lises and the Louisiana Medal with three bronze fleur-de-lises. Tommy, as he was known to family and friends, was the son of Claude and Edith Killgore Kirkpatrick. On Aug. 14, 1965, he married Sandra Futrell of Pineville, and they made their home in Baton Rouge with their three children, Karen, Kirk and Katie. In his later life, Tommy reveled in the joy of being a grandfather to Trey, Brandt, Abby and Tyler. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Sandra Futrell; two children, Thomas Killgore "Kirk" Kirkpatrick II and his wife, Amber, and Mildred Kathleen "Katie" Kirkpatrick; four grandchildren, Thomas Killgore Kirkpatrick III, Hudson Brandt Kirkpatrick, Abigail Kay Kirkpatrick and Tyler Lee Bordelon; mother, Edith Killgore Kirkpatrick; sister, Edith Kay Kirkpatrick; brother, Charles Kris Kirkpatrick and his wife, Jane; and numerous nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Karen Kirkpatrick; father, Claude Kirkpatrick; and brother, Claude Kent Kirkpatrick. Arrangements are being handled by Rabenhorst Funeral Home. Services will be held at First Baptist Church on Thursday, Oct. 15, with visitation from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. service. Pallbearers will be Scott Kirkpatrick, Stephen Kirkpatrick, Bill Futrell, Timothy Futrell, Ronnie Welch, Richard Setliff, Dudley May and Joe Juban. Donations may be sent to Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge.

Published by The Advocate from Oct. 14 to Oct. 15, 2009.
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Memories and Condolences
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Col K is the epitomy of the person of service we should all strive to be...a person who lives with a heart like Jesus.
May the Comfort of the Lord Console his family and may His Enduring Love Sustain You.

Amy Courville

November 8, 2009

Sandra, Ray and I were on a Sunday School cruise when we learned of Tommy's death. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. We have some good memories of you and Tommy and wish we could have done more together thru the years. We would love to visit with you sometime if we ever get the chance. I know you are now caring for your Mom, too. God bless you and give you strength and peace.
Love, Dianna and Ray Robbins

Dianna Robbins

November 1, 2009

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Kirkpatrick family. I was fortunate enough to know and work with him for 10 years in his law office. Lots of great memories, especially at our annual crawfish boils. He loved to waterski. It is amazing all of the things that he did during his lifetime. He will be greatly missed, but for those who knew him our lives will be forever richer for having known such a great man.

Doug Alford

October 20, 2009

Sandra, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Praying for God's comfort and peace.

Larry and Pansy Morgan

October 19, 2009

Sandra, our Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time.

Tom and Suzie Cantrell Darbonne

October 18, 2009

Col. K was truly a southern gentleman, he was an inspiration to all that met him.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to his family

Jack and Virginia Read
Bella Vista, Arkansas

Virginia Read

October 17, 2009

Sandra, Katie, Kirk, Kay, Kris and Mrs. Kirk ~ our deepest sympathy to you all during this, another difficult time in your lives. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Tommy was such a gentleman, with a great laugh, utmost integrity and his love of God and country always shone through. Blessings and love, Kathryn, Brooke and Carol

Carol McCutchen

October 16, 2009

I am very sadden to hear about Col K passing and my deepest sympathies go our to his family. He was a true gentleman and I sincerely enjoyed and was honored to work closely with him in his role as State Coordinating Officer (SCO) on several disasters to take care of the citizens of Louisiana. He was all about giving and he always gave his best and was a role model for all. L. Champagne

Lee Champagne

October 16, 2009

So sorry to hear about Tommy. He was a good man.

Paul Belanger

October 16, 2009

I was so sorry to hear the news . i am honored to have known tommy and know that he is in his heavenly Father's arms.

penny brooks doughty

penny doughty

October 16, 2009

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Kirkpatrick family. I graduated high school with Tommy at Lee High in 1962. He was such a kind,handsome and gracious young man that would leave a lifelong impression in my mind. Please accept my sincere sympathy.

Lillie Messina Johnston

October 15, 2009

We are grateful for having known COL K. He was a teacher, mentor and an all around wonderful person. There are many memories we will cherish.

Kevin and Susan Ridings

Susan Ridings

October 15, 2009

How grateful we are for the life of this tireless servant of God and the USA! We offer our prayers for comfort and strength and the hope of Holy Scripture's promises, from friends at First Presbyterian Church of Hernando, MS.

Chip Hatcher

October 15, 2009

Katie, my thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Emily A. Sam

October 15, 2009

COL Kirkpatrick was a kind and generous man I worked with him while we were both in the Guard and when he worked at GOHSEP. He was an outstanding public servant and he touched the lives a great many people. He served our state and this nation with great distinction. I pray God will provide strength and encouragement to his family and friends during this period of transition.

Jules Edwards

October 15, 2009

The troubled youth of Louisiana lost a great friend. Tommy's work with Youth Challenge will be a testimony to him for years. To all his family, rest assured his reward is great for he gave so much to others.

Jack Avant

October 15, 2009

To the family of Col. K. He was a very well respected and admired friend to all. The family is in our thoughts and prayers. Friends at East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor's Office of Homeland Security.

EBRP MOHSEP

October 15, 2009

Everyone that met him loved him. I was worked with him through the Department of Homeland Security for three years. He will be greatly missed. COL K was a calming gentleman with a quiet strength that shown like sun rays as you approched him. He was loved by everyone that knew him and touched all our lives through his leadership, and friendship. Rest in God's hands my dear friend.

Geneva Hiroms

October 15, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Alexis Williams (GOHSEP)

October 15, 2009

To Sandra, Mrs. Kirkpatrick, and family: We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Tommy was a remarkable person who made such a positive impact in so many lives. Please know that our prayers are with you at this time. I am reminded of that verse: "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints." Ps. 116:15

Susan Spruill Nixon

October 15, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the extended Kirkpatrick family. Tommy is a great man that served his country and state with pride and distinction. We will miss him.

Tom Atkin

October 15, 2009

It is hard to accept this news, All of us at Gordon and Sandifer Auto Service feel this lost also.
You have our sympathy and prayers.
Winston-

Winston LaPrarie

October 14, 2009

I would like to express my deepest sympathy in the loss of Col.K. I had the pleasure of working with him at YCP for a brief time; however, after I left I kept up with him through his mom. My mom, Ms. Edith and I all sang in the choir at UBC. Col K was a wonderful man to work with and his door was always opened if you ever needed anything! He was a great man who showed respect for everyone as well as his country. It was an honor and a sincere pleasure to have known him. He will be greatly missed! It is also wonderful to hear stories about him tonight as we found out about his passing during choir at my current church in Jennings. The people who knew him so well through his time in Jennings have nothing but wonderful things to say! He was a man that touched a lot of people all over the country and world and this country will have a wonderful guardian angel watching over them now! Amy Beard

Amy Beard

October 14, 2009

I am greatly saddened and sorry for your loss. COL K was a serene, stately gentleman with a quiet strength that had a calming effect on everyone he came in contact with. He was the first Director of The Louisiana Youth Challenge Program at the Gillis Long Center in Carville, and touched countless lives through his leadership, friendship, and genuine care and compassion for his fellow man and the youth of his state.

Judd Mahfouz

October 14, 2009

I've known Col K since his days as a JAG officer for the Army National Guard. After he retired from the guard I had the pleasure of working for him again when he became the director for the Youth Challenge Program at Carville. Under his care and direction Carville became the number 1 program in the country. I was fortunate to work with Col K when he became State Coordinating Officer for the Katrina/Rita Recovery. The early days of the disaster were difficult the state was in uncharted waters, extensions, appeals, lawsuits bombarded Col K from all directions he calmly manned the helm. He stood like a bull amidst a herd of cows. Through the time I've worked with him I've been to his house on the lake front and met his family. He has suffered pain and loss few of us have had to fathom. I've witnessed him grieving after the loss of his daughter and his ecstasy when he finished touring Russia. In the words of a follow parishoner Ms. Woo "he is a GOOD man."

David "Scott" Stanley

October 14, 2009

Mrs. Kirkpatrick my prayers are with you and your family. Col K was truly a fine, understanding caring man. He was a great comfort and a source of strength and encouragement during my illness. It was truly a pleasure to have known him and work with him. His passing is truly a great loss to us all. May God bless you and yours.

CSM Robert Jones former Youth Challenge Employee.

Robert Jones

October 14, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the Kirkpatrick family during this hard time.

Col Kirkpatrick was a kindhearted, generous man who always treated everyone with class and grace. I am so fortunate to have worked with him at GOHSEP and to have been touched by his amazing spirit. I am positive that Col K is amongst the angels in heaven.

May God bless his family and loved ones.

-Jennifer Tenney, GOHSEP

Jennifer Tenney

October 14, 2009

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Cardis Campbell

October 14, 2009

Our condolences to Katie and all of the Kirkpatrick family. We will always remember Col. Kirkpatrick as a fine gentleman.

Simon and Laurie Gonsoulin

October 14, 2009

To the family please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.

Tom Burbank

October 14, 2009

Col K was a very caring and compassionate man. He worked very hard for the residents of Louisiana during his tenure at the Youth Challenge program as well as before, during, and after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He was patient and kind, and a true friend and leader to all those around him. Even while dealing with his own illness, he still took the time to be there for others and help them in any way possible. Col K will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on. God Bless all the Kirkpatrick family, friends, and co-workers as they mourn the loss of a great man.

Tori Siears

October 14, 2009

Dear Kirkpatick Family,
I had the pleasure of working with Col Kirkpatrick through the NGAUS in Washington DC. As a fellow Ragin Cajun from Louisiana, I was very proud to work with Tom. He was a man of honor, integrity and dedication. It was apparent that he loved his family and was committed to serving his country. My deepest condolences and sympathy to you during this most difficult time.

Cathy Casper

October 14, 2009

I have seldom met a more ethical man. Would never cross a dishonest line.

Treated employees with respect. Genuinely cared for those he served.

A model soldier, husband, churchman, person.

Jim Comer , Gillis Long Center ,15 July 99- 10 July 03

October 14, 2009

Our sincerest condolences are with you at this time. Tommy was a great associate and very dear friend to all of us. We have requested special intention masses at our church on his behalf. His years were cut too short and we will miss him. Annette, Darryn and Chad Melerine (former employees of the Military Department)

Annette Melerine

October 14, 2009

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Errollyn Jackson

October 14, 2009

Our deepest condolences and strength go out to you at this time. Tommy was a valued associate and a dear friend. We have requested special mass intentions on his behalf at our church. He will be missed by all of us. Annette, Darryn and Chad Melerine (former employees of the Military Department)

October 14, 2009

Our deepest condolences and strength go out to you at this time. Tommy was a valued associate and a dear friend. We have requested special mass intentions on his behalf at our church. He will be missed by all of us. Annette, Darryn and Chad Melerine (former employees of the Military Department)

Annette Melerine

October 14, 2009

COL K was a great mentor to me when I was at GOHSEP. He encouraged me to try hard and learn more than necessary so I could move on to bigger and better things. He stayed in touch after I left GOHSEP to ensure my new job treated me right and always said I was welcomed back if I ever wanted to come.
COL K always cared more about others than himself, even when his health was declining. I had the pleasure of sitting with COL K and COL Riley when Pres. Bush came to visit Louisiana last year. COL K had us laughing the entire time.
I'm going to miss him immensely. My prayers are with his family and Meg.

Martinique Cherry

October 14, 2009

I knew Colonel Kirkpatrick from our service together in the Louisiana National Guard. He was a fine man who was admired by many. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Tim Scott

October 14, 2009

Our sympthy for Mrs. Kirkpatrick and daughter for their lose of such a great husband and father.Our prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. SFC/Mrs. Anthony Beard.

October 14, 2009

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Glenda Bocking

October 14, 2009

My condolences to the Kirkpatrick family and friends. I worked for Col. Kirkpatrick for 3 years (99-01) at the Youth Challenge Program. He was a great leader and cared about all the soldiers, employees, and children that he worked with. He will be sadly missed.

Kristie Bauer Trosclair

October 14, 2009

Dear Kirtpatrick Family:
Tommy was a sweet man and will be missed by so many people that knew and loved him. It was a joy to see him and his family through the years at First Baptist.

He was a wonderful Christian and we know he is now with his Lord.

My sympathy and prayers are with you all.

Jean Leyda

October 14, 2009

I was so sorry to hear about Thomas passing. My prayers are with all of you during your time of sorrow. May God give you strength.

Earl Santos (COL Ret.)

Earl Santos

October 14, 2009

Dearest Sandra, Kirk, Katie and the whole Kirkpatrick family - My heart goes out to all of you on the loss of Col. Kirkpatrick. I know you will all miss him so terribly, but take comfort in the happiness Karen must be feeling at having her Daddy with her again. I wish I could be there in Baton Rouge to give you my condolences in person, but please know that you are all in my heart, thoughts and prayers today and everyday.
With all my love and sorrow, Debbie Edney.

Debbie Edney

October 14, 2009

Dear Katie, Miss Sandra, and Kirk,

I want to let yall know that my thoghts and prayers are with yall at this hard time. I love and have loved your family since we were in highschool. I am praying that yall find peace and acceptance in your time of sorrow. As we both know Miss Sandra first hand how hard it is to lose our child, I cannot pretend to understand what you are going through now. Nor can I pretend to be in Katie or Kirk.s shoes. I can offer to you whatever kind of support yall may need and just anything at all yall may need. Please do not hesitate to call me. All of my love, and Charlie too!

Allison Landry Guidry

Allison Guidry

October 14, 2009

Sandra,
Diana and I am so sorry to hear about Tommy's passing. He fought a long and hard battle with his desease. Please accept our condolences and we will certainly keep you and your family in our prayers. Richard & Diana Averitt

Richard Averitt

October 14, 2009

Col. K was a great person who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was a mentor to me and I will always be grateful the knowledge he passed down to me.

October 14, 2009

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family in your time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Wayne and Jenny Borders

October 14, 2009

I want to offer my sympathy to Tommy's family. With my husband Dave we always though highly of Tommy, he had such a kind personality. Madeleine Campbell

October 14, 2009

It is impossible to put into words the lingering impact that the loss of Col K will have on so many of us who love this man so much. Tommy has been in our prayers for a long time during this battle, and will reside in our hearts while he continues to serve God's Army in Heaven.
Art and Deanna, Kori, Kyle, Kayla, and Kayleigh Jones

October 14, 2009

I knew Tommy from the Louisiana National Guard. He was a professional Soldier and well liked by all. We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family and friends.

COL (Ret) Calvin & Jan Washispack

October 14, 2009

Col. K was a good friend, a great leader and helped me tremendously when my huband was diagnosis with leukemia even though he was battling cancer. He was truely and inspiration to all who knew him. I will miss him everyday. Lisa Tucker

Lisa Tucker

October 14, 2009

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