Kenneth R. Kirkpatrick

Kenneth R. Kirkpatrick, 83, of Rock Island, Illinois, died Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity, Rock Island.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 13 at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Davenport, with interment immediately following in the garth at the Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church.

Kenneth Ray Kirkpatrick was born August 11, 1939, in McLeansboro, Illinois, the son of Rose Braden Kirkpatrick and William “Ray” Kirkpatrick. He married Marilyn Joyce Hutson on June 15th, 1963, in Sesser, Illinois.

Kenneth attended McLeansboro High School, and later graduated from Southern Illinois University with a B.A. in English Education and a Master’s degree in Library Science. He returned to McLeansboro to teach at the high school, and later became the head librarian. He was a favorite teacher and mentor to many. Kenneth took a break from teaching during the 1970s and early 80s, and was a well-known mail carrier in his hometown where he befriended many neighborhood dogs.

Kenneth became a member of Trinity Cathederal in Davenport when he and his wife moved to the Quad Cities in 2012.

In his younger years, he enjoyed working with stained glass, gardening, and playing the organ at his church in McLeansboro. He had many laughs with his family over his love of barbershop quartets, and his attempt at a family singing group. Later in life, he enjoyed researching genealogy, baking, reading and spending time with his beloved wife and family. He passed his love of barbershop quartets and singing to his grandson!

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Joyce; two sons, B. Sean Kirkpatrick of Oakland, California, and S. Quinn (Anne) Kirkpatrick of Rock Island; and a grandson, Ethan Kirkpatrick. He was preceded in death by his parents.