Richard Kirkpatick

Richard O’Neil Kirkpatrick, 87, of Charleston passed away peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019.

He was born Dec. 7, 1931, in Diehlstadt, Missouri, to Otto Francis and Marjorie Kathryn Suter Kirkpatrick. He married Claudia “Faye” Bryant on July 25, 1952, in Sikeston, Missouri. She preceded him in death on Jan. 24, 2017.

He was a veteran in the Army, where he served in the Korean War and was awarded the Korean Service Medal, with two bronze service stars, and a National Defense Service Medal.

He worked for Cotton Belt Railroad as a brakeman and later a conductor until his retirement in 1999.

He was a farmer and avid hunter and fisherman. He was also a member of VFW and American Legion.

He is survived by a sister, Frances Ann (Ron) Anderssen of Leopold, Missouri; a son, Richie (Marge) Kirkpatrick of Fruitland, Missouri; two daughters, Claudia (Albert) Rolwing of Charleston and Joy (Kenny) Cochran of Morehouse, Missouri; and six grandchildren, Amanda Rolwing, Nick Kirkpatrick, Blake Kirkpatrick, Morgan Kirkpatrick Paul Ruff and Kenlea Cochran.

He was also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Kathryn Markey, on April 6, 2010; son, Jeff Kirkpatrick on Sept. 1, 2011; and a son-in-law, Albert Rolwing, on Dec. 12, 2017.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Benton.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jennifer Moxley officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will be in Maynard Cemetery near Diehlstadt, Missouri.