John Franklin Kirkpatrick

ALEXANDRIA - John Franklin Kirkpatrick, 91, of Alexandria, passed away on Feb. 21, 2017, at Community Hospital in Anderson, Indiana, following a brief illness. He was born July 11, 1925, in Summitville, to Charles F. and Leta Grace Brake Kirkpatrick. John graduated from Summitville High School with the class of 1943, then worked briefly at Container Corporation and Delco Remy before entering the U.S. Army in October 1943. As a member of the 9th Army Field Artillery, he was stationed in Germany and England; his service was a source of great pride. While he was away, he regularly received letters from a classmate, Donnis Swaim, who kept him up to date on all the happenings of their hometown. Upon his discharge in 1946, John returned to Delco Remy, attended Indiana Business College and later took a job at Paul Vermillion Jewelers in Alexandria, where he worked for nine years. On Nov. 30, 1947, he married Donnis. In 1959, John took a job with Commercial Bank and Trust Co. (now PNC), a career that went on to span 27 years and led to years of John offering financial advice – even long after his retirement. During his time with the bank, he served on the board of directors and retired as vice president in 1986. John was active in the community over the years; he served as a member of Alexandria Masonic Lodge No. 235; Alexandria First Christian Church; Alexandria American Legion; and the Alexandria Lions Club, where he put those banking skills to good use as treasurer for 26 years. He especially enjoyed supporting the Alex Tiger basketball team and was a season ticket-holder for 45 years. But his true passion could be found in Cincinnati, where he faithfully cheered on the Cincinnati Reds at many games and through several World Series. In his later years, John was assisted by a good many people who dedicated themselves to his care. The family wishes to thank caregivers Sharon Kuhn, Jolana Jackson and Connie Smith, as well as the fifth floor staff of Community Hospital for their kind care of John. John is survived by his wife, Donnis (Swaim); two daughters, Susan (Jerry) Heiden and Nancy (Dr. David) Steele; five grandchildren, Dr. Mark (Dr. Mary Ellen Lennon) Heiden, Linda (Zack Joyce) Heiden, Danielle Steele, Noelle Steele (fiance Jonathan Russell) and Andrea Heiden; two step grandsons, Michael (Hedieh) Steele and John Steele; two great grandsons, Noah and Thomas Lennon-Heiden; two step great-granddaughters, Kiana and Kayla Steele; and his buddy, a shy but sweet golden tiger cat named Tony. A Celebration Service of John's life will take place at 4 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2016 at the Alexandria First Christian Church, 215 W. Berry St. Pastor Julia Bratton will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in Park View Cemetery in Alexandria. Friends are invited to call on the family at the church after 2 pm on Saturday. Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Christian Church with envelopes available at the service. Owens Funeral Home in Alexandria is honored to serve the Kirkpatrick family. Funeral Home: Owens Funeral Home 412 North Harrison Street Alexandria, IN US 46001