Donald W. Kirkpatrick

Donald Wesley Kirkpatrick, 89, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Forsyth Medical Center. Don was born to the late Wesley Albert Kirkpatrick and Ruth Lena Dye Kirkpatrick in Chicago Illinois.

Don was a real people person. He was known for striking up conversations with total strangers and all feeling like they’ve known each other for years. He loved western and sappy Hallmark movies. He loved hot dogs and no morning was complete without at least one donut. As a career truck driver, he drove for many companies but especially enjoyed driving for Walmart. Driving wasn’t just for work; his idea of a wonderful day was to drive 100 miles to someplace and then turn around and go home. Above all, he was a loving husband and father.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his son, Donald Wesley Kirkpatrick, Jr, daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Van Voorhees and 3 siblings.

Those left to cherish Don’s memory include his wife of 48 years, Mary Eileen Kirkpatrick, children, Erin Ehrhardt (Dirk), Kandi Oliver, Franklin Van Voorhees and Robin Heffelfinger, grandchildren, Alex and Omar Chehade, David and Nicholas Van Voorhees. Also surviving are his nephews, Robert Kirchen (Teri) and Steve Warsa.