Earl Buddy Kilpatrick

Dr. Earl Buddy Kilpatrick passed away on October 23, 2011. He was preceded in death by his parents-Margaret and Earl Kilpatrick, his sister-Nell Kilpatrick, his first wife-Frances Kilpatrick, and his great-grandson-Mason Griffin Mora. Dr. Kilpatrick was born in Burkburnett, Texas on June 21, 1920 to Earl and Margaret Chitwood Kilpatrick. During his early years, the family moved to Wewoka, Oklahoma. Dr. Kilpatrick graduated from Wewoka High School in 1938 where he was Valedictorian of the Senior Class as well as Outstanding Boy in his graduating class. He continued his education at the University of Oklahoma where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1942. Dr. Kilpatrick was a member of ROTC while attending the University of Oklahoma and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, Field Artillery, in April 1942. He began active duty on June 2, 1942 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in 1943. During World War II, Dr. Kilpatrick served in the European Theatre of War (Germany, France, and Belgium) from April 1945 through May 1946. He was promoted to Captain in December 1945. After returning from the European Theater during WWII, Dr. Kilpatrick’s Active Reserve Duty began on July 5, 1946. During his active Reserve duty, Dr. Kilpatrick attended the National Strategy Seminar at the National War College in Washington, D.C. and graduated from the Command and General Staff School at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. He retired on August 30, 1973 at the rank of Colonel. His commands included: Co.4131st TNG Bn. Co.B 377th Regt. Co.B 495th AAA Bn. (SP) Hqs. 495th AAA Bn. (SP) 391st AAA Bn. (SP) 3rd. Bn. 377th Regt. 95th Div. TNG 3rd. Bn. 377th Regt. 1st Brig. 95th Div. TNG Upon returning from the war, Dr. Kilpatrick attended the University of Oklahoma where he received his Masters Degree in May 1949, and his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree was conferred in May 1959. He was awarded a National Science Foundation Fellow the year he completed his Ph.D. Dr. Kilpatrick began his teaching career at Southeastern Oklahoma State College in 1949. In 1960, he was appointed Associate Professor and two years later was appointed Full Professor. In 1961, Dr. Kilpatrick was appointed Chair of the Biological Sciences Department and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1984. During his career at Southeastern, he served on the Curriculum Committee, the Library Committee, and the Academic Council. Dr. Kilpatrick was also active in the Faculty Enrichment Program at SOSU and served as Secretary-Treasurer-Manager of the Southeastern Teacher's Credit Union for many years. Dr. Kilpatrick served as the faculty advisor for Sigma Tau Gamma, Mu Chapter, for over 30 years. Affectionately known as “Dr. K.,” he was honored with the Professor Grubbs Distinguished Advisor Award at the Grand Chapter in 1974 in Omaha, Nebraska. During his tenure as an educator he was an active member in the following professional organizations: • American Association for the Advancement of Science • Sigma Xi • Oklahoma Academy of Science (Fellow) • Southwestern Association of Naturalists • National Wildlife Federation • Oklahoma Education Association • Red Red Rose • American Association of University Professors • (Served as President of local chapter) • Listed in Who's Who in the South and Southwest • Listed in American Men of Science Dr. Kilpatrick was active in numerous civic organizations including the Durant Chamber of Commerce, the Elks Lodge, and the Lions Club. In June 2007, Dr. Kilpatrick was recognized by the local club for 53 years of service to Lionism and also for being the only Past District Governor in Oklahoma still active in his club. He served in the following roles in the Lions Club. Local Level Board of Directors Vice-President President--1970-1971 Served as delegate to four International Conventions District Level Zone Chairman--1968-1969 District Governor--1969-1970 State Level Chairman of Long Range Planning Committee Board of Directors Oklahoma Eye Bank Treasurer Oklahoma Eye Bank Secretary Oklahoma Eye Bank Member of State Council of Lions Director of I.O.A.Ranch Dr. Kilpatrick was a life long member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He served in many areas including: Church Fellowship Activities Chair, Fund Raising Chair for the Program for Progress, Board of Elders Chair, served on the Church Board, worked with Junior High, High School and College Age groups and was a Sunday School Teacher for both Adult and College classes. Dr. Kilpatrick served as a Deacon and was elected to the position of Elder for life where he served for many years. He was also an active member of Gideons for several years. Dr. Kilpatrick is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ann Kilpatrick, as well as 6 children: Dr. Cheryl Kilpatrick; Janet Thomas; Dr. Toni Stiefer and husband Charlie Stiefer, John Kilpatrick and wife Janie Kilpatrick, Alan Kilpatrick and wife Robbie Kilpatrick, and Dr. Rebecca Davis and husband Dr. Sonny Davis; 6 grandchildren: Lt. Commander Jason Stiefer and wife Lisa Stiefer, and Paula Mora and husband Ivan Mora; Beverly Kilpatrick, Justin Kilpatrick and Annie Dodson; Katherine Kilpatrick and Kameron Kilpatrick; and 3 great grandchildren: Michael Stiefer and Tyler Stiefer and Madeline Mora. If you would like to share a favorite memory of Dr. K with the family please send a card or email it to: tstiefer@se.edu A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 29, 2011 at the First Christian Church in Durant, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Earl B and Ann Kilpatrick Scholarship Fund at Southeastern Oklahoma State University or to the USO. PDF Printable Version

Earl Buddy Kilpatrick

June 21, 1920 - October 23, 2011