OBITUARY
Steve
Kirkpatrick
March 1, 1951 ~ October 19, 2021 (age 70)
Stephen Patrick Kirkpatrick, 70, of College Station, Texas, passed away
peacefully at home on October 19, 2021, after a three-year battle with
cancer.
Steve was born on March 1, 1951, in Portsmouth, Ohio, but spent his
childhood years with his parents, Ray and Mary Alice Kirkpatrick,
growing up in Farmers Branch, Texas.
After Steve graduated from R.L. Turner High School in 1969, he went on
to earn his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Texas A&M University
where he was a proud member of the Corps of Cadets and The Ross
Volunteers honor guard.
Following college, Steve joined the United States Air Force and was part
of the Nuclear Weapons Defense System. After his military service, he
spent many years rough necking in the oil fields. Knowing his heart
belonged in academia, he returned to Texas A&M, earning a Master's in
History of Science degree and began a teaching career (in history) at
Blinn College. Steve's calling as an educator would span 25 years of
instruction, mentorship, and dedication to shaping the minds of
countless students, who affectionately called him "Uncle Steve."
On June 1, 2001, Steve married the love of his life, Victoria Sharpe.
His devotion to Vickie is a love story for the ages, and one that
extended to Vickie's three children, Nicholas Sharpe (Raquel), Graeme
Sharpe (Jessica) and Kim Scheld (Chris). Steve became a father figure,
role model, and mentor not only to them, but also to Campbell Cave, and
he leaves this legacy in their hearts. Steve was a living embodiment
that families are defined by commitment and love.
All who knew Steve were showered with stories when they were around him
on the things he loved the most. He had a true passion for Thomas
Jefferson, organic gardening, and an incredible knowledge and
appreciation of good wine. He planted and maintained a three-acre
vineyard at his home, and was blessed with the opportunity to travel to
some of the best wine regions of the world, including California,
France, and Spain. Steve was also highly well known in the Texas wine
industry for his knowledge and passion of wine making.
Steve is survived by two sisters, Patty Franek (Robert) of Austin, and
Sally Pierce (Rick) of San Marcos. He also leaves behind three
grandchildren, eight nieces and nephews, and countless loving friends,
who will agree that he was the epitome of love, kindness and generosity.
A memorial service will be held at Hillier of Bryan on Tuesday, November
2nd at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in
Steve's honor to the charity of your choice.
The family wishes to thank everyone at Traditions Hospice, and special
thanks to Steve's caretaker and friend, Kennedy Hall, for her tremendous
care and love for Steve in his greatest time of need. |
Services
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Tuesday
November 2, 2021
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Hillier Funeral Home of BRYAN
2301 East 29th Street
Bryan, TX 77802
Send Flowers to Steve's Celebration of Life
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This event will be live-streamed
RECEPTION
Tuesday
November 2, 2021
5:00 PM
Hillier Funeral Home of BRYAN
2301 East 29th Street
Bryan, TX 77802 |