BREWER – Leon Eugene Kirkpatrick Sr., 83, resident of Brewer since 1950, beloved husband, father, Papa and Pappy, died May 5, 2006, at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Bangor. He remained self-employed at the time of his death. Born Jan. 21, 1923, in Dover-Foxcroft, the son of Lottie Pearl (Hall) and John Douglas Kirkpatrick. Mr. Kirkpatrick graduated from Foxcroft Academy. He attended the University of Maine and received his honorary degree from Husson College in Bangor. Leon served in World War II in the Army Air Corps from January 1943 until October 1945, flying 52 combat missions over Europe as a top turret gunner. He received numerous honors and medals including the Air Medal, first, second and third Oak Leaf Clusters, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, a Silver Service Star and a Bronze Service Star, the Distinguished Unit Citation, the American Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Medal and the Purple Heart. He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, Earl and Ray; his sisters, Rena (Stevens) Beckum and Joy Libby; and two infant brothers, Walter and Glen. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gertrude Olive (Littlefield); his seven children, Wanda and Don Crowell of Herman, Leon Eugene Jr. and Kathy Kirkpatrick of St. Louis, Mo., Hazel and Roger Poulin of Waterville, Lois Corey and Gene Cote of Clinton, John and Sue Kirkpatrick of Dedham, Doris and Alan Dall of Bangor, Paula and Kurt Rockafellow of Nashua, N.H.; 13 grandchildren, James and Lisa Chichetto, Leon Eugene Kirkpatrick III, Michael and Erik Bellandi, Troy and Jen Corey and Tamara Corey and fiance, Tom Gonzalez, Justin and Ryan Kirkpatrick, Tabatha Dall, Jenn and Adam Mahaney and Amber Dall, Garrett and Aaron Rackafellow; and two great-grandchildren, Veronica Chichetto and Brendan Mahaney; his sister, Ruth D’Alessandro of New Jersey; sisters-in-law, Eva and Sally Kirkpatrick; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, May 8, at Brookings-Smith, Clark-Piper Chapel, 55 South Main St., Brewer. Burial immediately following in Dover Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Maine Veterans’ Home, Activity Fund, 44 Hogan Rd., Bangor, ME 04401 or a charity of their choice. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com
LEON EUGENE KIRKPATRICK
