Russel Elwood Kirkpatrick

RUSSEL ELWOOD KIRKPATRICK Russel Elwood Kirkpatrick was born October 4, 1919 in Evansville, Ind. the son of Russel Rex and Rose Christine (Patel) Kirkpatrick. He passed away on Friday, October 5, 2012 at Vista Grande Inn at the age of 93. Russel joined the U.S. Navy serving during the Korean Conflict. He made a 20 year career with the Navy and then 20 years with Boeing Aircraft as a tool master. Russel enjoyed a 30 year marriage to Billie (Pottenger) Kirkpatrick before her death. A very generous man at heart, Russel always gave to children's charities especially St. Jude's Children Research Hospital. In his free time he loved to hunt. Surviving Russel are his children, Edward Houtz of Lancaster, Calif., Eric Houtz of Albuquerque, N.M. and Dianne Paxton and husband, Jim of Hemet, Calif.; three grandchildren, Steven Paxton of Manhattan, N.Y., Jeffrey Paxton of Palamar Mountain, Calif., David Paxton of Hemet, Calif.; three great grandchildren; his nieces, Sharon Gosztola of Cortez, Susan Cray of Lafayette, Ind. and Pat McGraw of Fort Branch, Ind.; two nephews, Bill Kirkpatrick of California and Rick Kirkpatrick of Portland, Ore.; and his brother, Carl Rex Kirkpatrick of Poplar Bluff, Mo. Russel is also survived by many numerous extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Billie Kirkpatrick; one grandson, Russel Paxton; and his siblings, Ray, Ralph, Ruth, Mary and Gene Kirkpatrick. Memorial contributions can be made in Russel Kirkpatrick's name with St. Jude's Children Research Hospital.