of Bergman, AR

November 29, 1938 - November 20, 2016

Ronald Gene Kirkpatrick was born in Sesser, Illinois on November 29, 1938, to Ethel (Elkins) Kirkpatrick and Roy Wardener Kirkpatrick. He moved to Chicago Heights, Illinois in 1957, where he graduated from Bloom Township High School and went to work for Ford Motor Company for the next 40 years. Gene and his wife Barbara moved to Arkansas in 1992, following his retirement.

Gene passed away at home Sunday, November 20, 2016, after a lengthy illness. He loved hunting, fishing and bowling. After moving to Arkansas he began farming, hiring himself out to cut and bale hay for many friends and neighbors. He eventually realized his childhood dream of having his own horse, his beloved Sox.

Gene is survived by his wife, Barbara Burdette Kirkpatrick; his eldest son, Steven Peterson and his wife Linda; his daughter, Rhonda Kirkpatrick Sims; his son, Dennis Peterson; and son, Michael Linville. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Jill Peterson Criner, Ron Sims, Charlotte Martz and Candace Esquivel; and five great-grandchildren, Darrell Stearly, Jenna Criner, Abbygail Clark, Ziva Martz and Addilyn Esquivel. Gene is also survived by his brother, James Kirkpatrick; and his sister, Patricia Gross; and many dear friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his son, Roy Herman Kirkpatrick; and two granddaughters, Laura Elizabeth Peterson and Sara Jeanne Gall.


Visitation was Monday, November 21, 2016, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.

Graveside service was Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at Horse Prairie Missionary Baptist Church in Sesser, Illinois.

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