John Kilpatrick was the third child born to Charlie and Lou Kilpatrick in Dallas, Texas on June 27, 1959. He entered into his Heavenly home on Sunday, May 10, 2026, after battling a myriad of health problems, succumbing to complications of Congestive Heart Failure following a 2-month stay in the hospital. John was a little over a month away from his 67th birthday.
John had a brilliant mind, phenomenal memory, amazing skills as a woodcraftsman and carpenter, a generous heart, more determination to overcome obstacles than most people, and an enormous amount of love for his family and friends. John was a die-hard Dallas Cowboy’s fan who could recount any data about the team from throughout its history, and he owned a plethora of Cowboy’s merchandise.
Most importantly, though, John greatly loved the Lord and sought to serve Him well! John opened his home to family and friends when they were in need, gave meals and clothing to acquaintances in need, and shared what he could when he could, even with strangers. In 2018, he went so far as to remodel his bathroom to meet the needs of our older brother in the hopes of bringing Bill from California back to Texas to take care of him in his battle against cancer. Although Bill was unable to get back to Texas, John set up a bedroom just for him. John considered that act of love to be love for God and love for Bill.
John was also protective of his sister, whom he loved deeply, too. John and Debbie spoke for hours at a time on the phone every week throughout their adult life (even when long distance calls were expensive), sometimes multiple times per week. John could outtalk anyone. As Valittie Gonzalez put it, “He had enough stories and opinions to fill a room.” His sister knew each of the stories, and often had been involved with whatever adventure was being described. Debbie did her best to always be there for John, just as he strove to be there for her. John was relieved to know that Debbie’s husband of 48+ years, Kevin, is a wonderful man who takes care of her. John loved Kevin like an actual brother rather than a brother-in-law.
At the age of six, John was diagnosed with Leber’s Disease, a congenital eye disease that caused severe visual impairment. Doctors estimated he would become totally blind by the age of 18; however, God graciously preserved some of John’s vision for most of John’s life. He did not go totally blind until a little over a year before his death. John never let his inability to see stop him from pursuing anything he set his mind to doing.
John rode a bicycle as a kid, and used that as a means of transportation to and from the grocery store when he began living on his own in his early 20s. He even rode a motorcycle off road in his 20s, and miraculously did not hurt himself or anyone else! He learned to bowl, proudly learning from his oldest sibling, Bill, and eventually bowled on a team in various tournaments.
His competitive nature led him into wrestling as part of the wrestling team while attending Texas School for the Blind, and on the team at Bryan Adams High School when he returned to public school. John enjoyed shooting hoops with friends, going so far as to install a court and basket in his backyard. Despite his limited vision, he played quite well.
The skill that John most treasured, though, is the one from which he supported himself: woodworking and carpentry, building and repairing furniture as a Master Craftsman for the Dallas Independent School District Maintenance Department. [John always said that the only good thing that ever came from his years at the Texas School for the Blind was his training in woodworking.] The people John worked with were like family to him, having developed close ties throughout his career. John also proudly retired with all of his fingers and toes, despite using power tools throughout his career.
Since John never let his lack of vision hold him back, he had many fascinating stories to share. Some were funny, some were sad, and some involved his overcoming bullying. As already stated, John could talk to anyone and at length! He had a sense of humor that kept him going no matter what life tossed his way. John even joked around with the doctors and nurses during his lengthy hospital stay and with the nurses and Chaplain at Vitas Hospice Facility in Dallas where he died.
John loved dogs and almost always had several. Circumstances left him unable to get another dog after his last one crossed the Rainbow Bridge, and that always bothered him. He loved his sister’s dog, Barney, and was pleased that the Hospice facility allowed Barney to visit him.
Following his divorce from a 22-year difficult marriage, John met the true love of his life, Patsy (Pat) Quintern. Pat brought not only her love to John’s life, but also the love of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The most joyful part of their relationship was when Pat was awarded custody of an infant great-nephew, whom she and John reared from 2019 until Pat’s death on June 1, 2024.
Thankfully, her family who then gained custody of precious Luis, continued to ensure John and Luis got to spend time together. Luis called John “Papa,” and everyone else in the family called him “Papa John.” Nothing made John smile more!
Preceding John in death were each of his grandparents; both parents; oldest sibling, Bill Kilpatrick; John’s girlfriend Pat Quintern; and Pat’s daughter Michelle Dunn. Several of John’s closest friends also preceded him in death.
Grieving John’s absence here, while also celebrating his new life in Heaven where his vision has been restored and all pain has been removed, are his sister, Debbie Bartles and her husband Kevin; John’s niece Lisa (Bartles) Park and her husband Chris; Pat’s granddaughter Valittie Gonzalez and her husband Alex and their four children; Pat’s granddaughter Devin Garretson; and the little boy who stole John’s heart, Luis, plus others in Pat’s family. Additionally missing John are a variety of friends and former co-workers.
Cremation is being handled by Complete Care Cremation in Mesquite, Texas. An informal memorial is being planned; friends and family will be notified, and be assured that Coca-Cola and Butterfingers will be served.
