H.E. "Gene" Kirkpatrick

H.E. “Gene” Kirkpatrick, 79, of Springfield, IL, formerly of Champaign, and Rockford, IL, died at 1:05 pm Thursday, April 11, 2013 at St. John’s Hospice. He was born May 13, 1933 in Rockford, IL to Hollie R. and Mary A. Derreckson Kirkpatrick. He married Dixie Houchin February 24, 1952. Preceding him in death were his parents, two sisters and one brother.

Surviving are his wife, Dixie; two daughters, Jilleen A. (Gary) Pollack of Springfield and Kristin L. (David) Cutt of Eolia, MO; one son, Gregory E. (Marguerite) Kirkpatrick of Holbrook, NY; nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gene was a member of West Side Christian Church. He was a sales manager for Illinois Wholesale and owner of HEK Ltd. He worked at various Golf courses including The Rail. He drove for Smart Van shuttle service. He was an avid golfer. He loved to fish and was a diehard Illini fan.

Memorial Service: The family will host a memorial service at 2pm Monday, April 15, 2013 at West Side Christian Church with Vaughn Beeman officiating. A gathering and luncheon will follow at 3pm.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Hospice.