HEATHSVILLE—Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel David George Kirkpatrick, 80, died at his home in Heathsville after a long fight with cancer on August 27, 2022.
After graduating from the United States Military Academy (USMA) in 1964, he served with distinction as a field artilleryman in the United States Army in Germany, Vietnam (during the Tet Offensive), Korea, and at the Pentagon where he was liaison for the Pershing missile project.
He earned his master’s in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado and taught in the Earth, Space and Graphic Sciences department at USMA. He later served as editor of RD&A (the army’s research and development magazine). After retirement from active duty, he worked in the aero-space industry, primarily supporting the Defense Logistics Agency by creating and teaching courses in military acquisition and procurement.
During his second retirement he and his wife, Sandy, cruised, on their own boat and chartered yachts, for many years. David also earned his private pilot’s license and built an experimental aircraft. He was an active member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church serving as a lay Eucharistic minister and participating in the congregation’s outreach and fund-raising efforts, especially the water ministry. He volunteered at the library and was a Reading Partner at the elementary school.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lt. Col. James Kirkpatrick, USAF, and Alice Playford Kirkpatrick; and by his two brothers, Gilbert and Bruce.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sandra Bailey Kirkpatrick; his children, Jason (wife, Melissa) and Jennifer (husband, Daniel Silverman); and his grandchildren, Jordon, Paige, Eli and Asa.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. September 24 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Heathsville. The family welcomes and recollections you would like to share. Please send a note to Sandra Kirkpatrick at 452 Westview Lane Heathsville, VA, 22473.
