Donald P. ‘The Colonel’ Kirkpatrick, 95, of Higgins Lake died May 27, 2018 at Grayling Nursing & Rehabilitation Community.
Don was born in Cedarville, Wisc. June 15, 1922 to Lloyd L. and Hazel Marie (Frankforth) Kirkpatrick.
Don spent summers at Higgins Lake since 1952, and resided there fulltime since 1973.
Don served in the US Army Air Corps and the US Air Force for over 30 years. He retired in 1973 as a Colonel.
Don was a member of the DAV in Holland. He was a member of the Lyon Twp. Board of Review for over 30 years. He enjoyed traveling and woodworking. While at Arlington National Cemetery as an Honor Flight participant in October of 2016, he was asked to participate in a Changing of the Wreath ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This was the same ceremony that is performed by American presidents on Memorial Day and is a rare honor for other civilians.
Don served during WW II, Korea and Vietnam.
Surviving are a sister, Barbara Schnieder of Nashville, Tenn.; niece, Janice (Rob) Rayborn of Nashville, Tenn. and their family, Sean Denton of Springhill, Tenn., R.J. Rayborn of Medina, Tenn. and Janea Rayborn of Nashville, Tenn.; nephew, Kirk (Roz) Anderson of Carona, Calf. Also surviving are his special family, Tammy (Paul) Menghini of Roscommon and their family Ryan of Los Angeles, Calf. and Kendra of Birmingham, Al. along with six great-great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wives, Florence (Shell) in 1992 and Joan (Kirby) in 2010 and great-nephew, Ryan Denton.
Funeral services were held June 2, 2018 at Walsh Funeral Home, Roscommon officiated by Roger Jansen. Burial was at Oakwood Cemetery, Higgins Lake.
Memorial donations may be made to DAV Holland Chapter 14, 1185 Matt Urban Dr., Holland, MI 49423.
Walsh Funeral Home, Roscommon served the family.
