This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Kirkpatrick, Jones Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/hkB.2ACE/5513 Message Board Post: Rockdale Reportert, Thur., 3 Oct 2002 Kirkpatrick COPPERAS COVE – Funeral services for Richard Magness Kirkpatrick, 63, of Copperas Cove, were held Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2002 at 11 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church in Copperas Cove. He died Sunday, Sept. 29, 2002. Mr. Kirkpatrick was born Sept. 3, 1939 in Honey Grove. He graduated from high school in Rockdale and served four years in the US Navy including an 18-month tour of duty in Japan as a Russian language translator. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Russian literature and language from the University of Texas, a Master of Education in educational administration and supervision from Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio, and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Texas. Mr. Kirkpatrick’s life’s work was dedicated to the children of Texas through his career in public school education. His career began as a teacher and coach at Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio where he also served as director of personnel for the San Antonio Independent School District. He served as superintendent of schools in Seguin from 1977-1981 and as superintendent of schools in Copperas Cove from 1981-1994. Following his retirement he worked as an educational consultant and as director of member services at the Equity Center in Austin. Mr. Kirkpatrick was the founding president of the Equity Center, a coalition of poor school districts that lobbied successfully for the passage of the finance article of HB 72, a position he held from 1982-1985. Mr. Kirkpatrick was also cochairman of the Equity Center legislative committee. Other highlights of his career include serving as chairman of the subcommittee on school finance for Ross Perot’s school finance committee and serving a two-year term on Lt. Governor Bob Bullock’s Texas Committee on Student Learning. He was invited by many educational service centers, school districts and other educational organizations at the state and national levels to serve as consultant or presenter on both instructional strategies and school finance. Mr. Kirkpatrick received many awards and honors throughout his career including being selected as regional superintendent of the year by the Texas Association of School Boards in 1986, selected as Outstanding Administrator of the year in 1984 by the Texas Association of Journalism Directors, was honored by the Pink, Pink Rose for Outstanding Contribution to Education in 1988, received the Lamar Alexander Award of Excellence in 1988, was selected Educator of the Month by the Texas School Business magazine in June, 1994, received The Outstanding Civilian Service Medal from the Commanding General of Fort Hood, Paul Funk, in August 1994, and received the Equity Center Award in 2002 for his lifetime of service to the children of Texas. Mr. Kirkpatrick was also active in his community having served on the boards of directors of the Rotary Clubs and the United Way in both Seguin and Copperas Cove and the boards of directors of the Chamber of Commerce and the Industrial Foundation of Copperas Cove. He received the Coryell County Child Welfare Board’s Friend of Children award in 1990. Mr. Kirkpatrick also served on the board of trustees of Central Texas College. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. Preceding him in death was his father, General Richard Kirkpatrick. Surviving are: Wife, Etta Kay Kirkpatrick of Copperas Cove; two sons, Richard Charles Kirkpatrick of Copperas Cove and Sean Spencer Kirkpatrick of Austin; mother, Lorene Jones of Pearland; brother, Billy Jack Kirkpatrick of Pearland; one granddaughter, Kaylyn Lauryl Kirkpatrick of Copperas Cove; one grandson, Richard Charles Kirkpatrick II of Copperas Cove. Those desiring to make memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may do so to the Central Texas College building or scholarship fund, the Metroplex Hospital building fund, the Welch Foundation scholarship fund at Copperas Cove High School or to Grace United Methodist Church.