Jay Lyle Kilpatrick

Jay Lyle Kilpatrick, age 83, passed away Monday, October 23, 2023, at Unity Health Hospital in Searcy, Arkansas. Jay was born July 16, 1940, in Galesburg, Illinois the son of Lyle V. and Francis (Boone) Kilpatrick, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were his brothers, Lewis, and Jimmy Kilpatrick.

Survivors include his wife of almost 61 years, Libby (Gleason) Kilpatrick; three sons, John Kilpatrick and his wife Amanda of Searcy, Arkansas, Jay Kilpatrick II of Judsonia, Arkansas and Jared Kilpatrick and his wife Lorrie of Ash Grove, Missouri. Also included in family members is very close friend and caregiver, Lorrie Henley; grandchildren; Kiri Clomburg and husband James, Jonathan Kilpatrick and wife Kaila, Izabella and Zander, Kati Weems and husband JD, Alexandria Leonard and husband Hunter, Jay Kilpatrick III., Gracie Kilpatrick. Zachary Kilpatrick and wife Brittany, Reagan Foltz and husband Mack, Summer Kilpatrick, and significant other Michael Sommers; great-grandchildren, Charlie, Olivia, Lylah Kay, Zachariah, Zevirah, Xaylin, Amara, Emersyn, Journey, Alyvea, and Bennett (due in February).

Jay graduate high school at Iolani High School in Honolulu, Hawaii and then obtained his bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University.

Thereafter he taught school on the island of Guam for several years. While Jay and wife Libby lived in Guam they were involved in many projects. Jay was very instrumental in writing the TESOL Program (teaching English to speakers of other languages). He also gained notoriety in being the first person to bring Appaloosa horses and Nubian goats to the island.

Jay brought his family back to the states and lived in Tyler, Texas. He finished out his career journey working at Texas Employment Commission where he retired on September 30, 1998. He then moved to Searcy, Arkansas.

Jay lived a very interesting and venturous life. He loved photography, scuba diving, making knives, hunting, and traveling. He loved most spending time with his precious wife and family.

Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 pm Friday, October 27, 2023. Services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 28 at Searcy McEuen Funeral Home.

All Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Searcy McEuen Funeral Home.

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