Dr. Frank "David" Kirkpatrick
Help us celebrate Dr. Frank "David"! Please share your stories and photos, and invite others who remember Dr. Frank "David".
Dr. Frank "David" Kirkpatrick of Clinton, TN passed away on December 3, 2021. David was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Frank and Bessie Kirkpatrick (Rose), and raised in Shattuck, Oklahoma.
He earned a B.S. in Animal Science from Oklahoma State University, Master's in Animal Science from New Mexico State, and PhD in Animal Science from University of Tennessee. Upon completion of his PhD, David remained a member of the faculty for 49 years.
As one of the most well-known beef experts in Tennessee, Dr. Kirkpatrick was a Professor in the Department of Animal Science and beef cattle genetic specialist serving the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension. Dr. Kirkpatrick was a resource for the beef cattle farmers of Tennessee for half a century. Two generations of farmers have benefited from the knowledge, expertise, and commitment of Dr. Kirkpatrick. He conducted educational programs, extension training sessions and producer meetings across the state. As a University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture expert, he spent an entire lifetime serving the Beef Cattle producers of Tennessee.
Among his accomplishments, Dr. Kirkpatrick developed the UT Bull Test Program and was instrumental in developing the annual Bull Test Sale at the Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Dr. Kirkpatrick developed the Beef Genetic Qualification program for the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program and a major contributor to the UT Master Beef Producer Program as well. His contributions have led to improvements in quality across the state's beef cattle industry. Dr. Kirkpatrick is also the author of many UT Extension publications on topics such as Beef Cattle, Cattle Management, Genetics, and Safety around livestock.
Dr. Kirkpatrick served as Superintendent of the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest, coached judging teams throughout his career, and evaluated cattle in over 14 states at various exhibitions and state fairs. Dr. Kirkpatrick was the recipient of multiple awards including the Gamma Sigma Delta award of Merit, Tennessee Cattlemen's Association Outstanding Service Award, and National Beef Improvement Federation Award. Dr. Kirkpatrick served as faculty advisor for Farmhouse Fraternity at the University of Tennessee.
Recently, the Richview Kirkpatrick Research Endowment was established to honor Dr. Kirkpatrick's dedication and commitment to the beef cattle industry for many generations to come.
One of his most fond accomplishments was guest lecturing in Tandil, Argentina. He lectured at the University and consulted across the country for improvement in their Beef Cattle industry.
David was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church of Clinton and was actively involved and loved his YAK Sunday School class.
One of his beloved pastimes was to take his children and grandchildren to theme parks. He could also be found in the kitchen creating new recipes for his family to enjoy.
One's of David's greatest delight was watching his three children and eight grandchildren grow and develop in so many wonderful ways. He often remarked that of all his accomplishments, he was by far most proud of his family. He is survived by his wife Judith Ann Kirkpatrick (Sharp), children Jennifer Justus (Jamie), Matt Kirkpatrick (Jan), Dr.'s Michael and (Erin) Kirkpatrick, and grandchildren Eli, Cal, Sharp, Lillian Kirk, Oliver, Maggie, Mary Lou, and Libby.
Additionally, he leaves three siblings who remained close throughout his life, Dr. John G. Kirkpatrick (Donna) of Stillwater, OK, Marilyn Macaulay, (Andy) of Dallas TX, and Carolyn Lynd (Edward Wharton) of Lafayette, LA. There are so many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends that will treasure the memories of David.
A Celebration of Life will take place at the Museum of Appalachia on Sunday, December 12 at 4:00 p.m. Friends and family are welcome to celebrate the life of Dr. F. David Kirkpatrick. Museum of Appalachia, 2819 Andersonville Highway, Clinton, TN.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to Developing Champion Youth Endowment. Dr. Kirkpatrick was instrumental in creating an endowment to forever give back to the livestock programs which he loved so much. Gifts can be made to the University of Tennessee Foundation Inc. and in the memo line: Kirkpatrick Memorial. The University will see to it that each gift goes into the Developing Champion Youth Endowment.
Kirkpatrick Memorial
UTIA Advancement Office
114 Morgan Hall
2621 Morgan Circle
Knoxville, TN 37996
together.tennessee.edu/kirkpatrickmemorial. Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton, Tennessee is in charge of all arrangements. holleygamble.com