Warren Kilpatrick

Warren Kilpatrick, 97, of Robinson, IL, passed away on February 26, 2024, in the comfort of his home. Born on September 29, 1926, in Broken Arrow, OK, Warren's life was a testament to resilience, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to family and country. Raised in the rural settings of Broken Arrow and Carpenter's Bluff, OK, Warren's early life was filled with the simple pleasures of hunting and fishing. Despite the hardships of a poor upbringing, he never lost his zest for life, gleefully perusing the Sears catalog with his siblings, even though they knew the treasures within were beyond their grasp. A man who took nothing for granted and cherished everything he received, Warren kept treasured gifts and cards, mementos of a life filled with love and appreciation for the smallest kindness.

Warren's strong work ethic was evident from a young age when he began picking cotton for a nickel a day to support his family. His determination and strength were further displayed when he answered his country's call, having served as an automotive mechanic in the US Army during World War II. An exceptional athlete, he caught the eye of baseball scouts while pitching for the Army baseball team and was even offered an opportunity to play for the Red Sox! However, his dedication to family led him to decline and return home to care for his parents-a decision he never regretted, though he always wished he could have done more for them.

After his honorable discharge, Warren embarked on a career that took him across the Midwest and into Canada, eventually leading him to settle in Illinois, where he worked for Baker Oil Treating for over 25 years before retiring in 1996. His reputation for toughness was well-known, and stories of his resilience (like pouring salt into his wounded hand while working in the oil fields) became legendary among those who knew him. Never one to sit idle, Warren devoted his free time to tinkering with machinery, building play structures for his beloved grandchildren, and cultivating a lush garden. His generosity extended beyond his family as he sold and donated the fruits of his labor to the local community, embodying the selfless spirit that characterized his life.

A lottery win late in life didn't change Warren's values; he still spent prudently, ensuring his family enjoyed fortune's benefits through home improvements and vacations without losing sight of the importance of frugal living. His word was as firm as a handshake, and his old-school principles of honor and integrity never wavered, nor did his love of music. A self-taught guitarist, he enjoyed waking his grandkids with the strumming of "School Days" and also shared his love for country music by playing with local musicians. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, Shriners, VFW, and the unofficial Hardee's coffee group, with whom he spent nearly every morning for years.

His love for Westerns, especially the films of John Wayne and the show "Gunsmoke," was matched only by his affection for his dog, Hogan, named after the TV series "Hogan's Heroes." Annual trips to Branson, MO, and Arkansas for family reunions were highlights of his life, as these were times spent surrounded by the people he loved most. They will remember Warren Kilpatrick as a man who epitomized the phrase, "Life is what you make it." We are so thankful that he made his a good one!

He is survived by his daughters, Christine Kilpatrick and Brenda Hayes; his grandchildren, Nathan Kilpatrick, Nicole Nichol, Patrick & Chelse Hayes, and Ashley Mundhenk; his great-grandchildren, Caje Kilpatrick, Kyle Nichol, Kolby Nichol, Jake Mundhenk, Dalton Kilpatrick, Stephanie Hayes, Lucas Mundhenk, Edwin Hayes, Maddie Hayes, and his "honorary grandchild", Cooper Atteberry; by his sister, Marie Deitz (Newton, IL); by several nieces and nephews; as well as his best friend and four-legged companion, his dog, Hogan.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Maxine Kilpatrick; his parents, James N. & Alice Ann (Todd) Kilpatrick; his brothers, Ore, Arthur, Howard, Orbra, Clarence, and Raymond; his sisters, Emma, Iva, Irene, and Virginia.

A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 2nd, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A Masonic service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home, followed by a funeral service officiated by Celebrant Curt Goodwine. During the service, family and friends will have the opportunity to share their favorite memories of Warren and express what made him so special. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .

Burial will be in the Kerns Cemetery, rural Jasper County, where military rites will be accorded by the combined units of the US Army, the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132.

Memorial contributions may be made to either the "St. Jude Children's Research Hospital" or the "Shriners Children's Hospital". Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.