Gary Lee “Babe” Kirkpatrick, 77, of Lenzburg, IL, born December 31, 1944, in Coulterville, IL, passed away on Tuesday December 13, 2022, at his residence. He was the owner/operator of Babe’s Tavern in Lenzburg, IL, which he ran for 43 years and was a member of the Masons – Marissa Chapter. Gary loved playing poker with family and friends and was a big baseball fan who loved the St. Louis Cardinals. He enjoyed his Captain and Cokes, playing the machines, watching Judge Judy on TV, shooting pool and reminiscing with customers and friends. But most importantly, he loved spending time with his family – especially his grandchildren.

Mr. Kirkpatrick was preceded in death by his parents – Alberta James and Nettia (Harris) Kirkpatrick, six siblings – Delores “Dori” (the late John) Woodside, Lester “Les” (the late Sue) Kirkpatrick, Patricia Green, Harold Kirkpatrick, Jerry Kirkpatrick and Bruce Kirkpatrick He was also preceded in death by former spouse — Candy Trent, with whom he always maintained a special relationship throughout the years.

Babe, as he was commonly known, is survived by three children – Michael (Mary Beth) Kirkpatrick of Columbia, IL, Kermit James Heintz of Lenzburg, IL, Jayne (Travis) Oaks of Dieterich, IL, four siblings – Joyce Eggers of Tucson, AZ, Buster (Mary) Kirkpatrick of Marissa, IL, Gail (Gary) Kloth of Walsh, IL, Randy (Denise) Kirkpatrick of Coulterville, IL, one brother-in-law – Floyd Green of Coulterville, IL and two sisters-in-law – Leola Kirkpatrick of Red Bud, IL and Kay Kirkpatrick of Coulterville, IL,   five grandchildren – Nicholas Kirkpatrick, Trinity and Jaxon Heintz, Henley and Cannon Oaks, and another grandchild due in March.  He is also survived by former wife – Sandra Kirkpatrick of Columbia, IL with whom he always respected and cared for, and by many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and his many loyal customers and friends.

Gary’s family would like to extend a special thank you to his caregivers, especially Brenda Larson, and to Family Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Family Hospice of Belleville, IL.

Visitation: Friends and family will be gathering from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday December 18, 2022, and again from 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday December 19, 2022, at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL.

Funeral: Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday December 19, 2022, at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL with the Rev. Dr. Robert Koch officiating.

Per Mr. Kirkpatrick’s wishes, cremation is to take place after services. Private interment will take place at a later date.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Roger Patton says:

   12/18/2022 at 11:26 am

   We remember lots of good times with Babe. Thinking about you and your family Jim.

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2. Ruth Rednour Pingsterhaus says:

   12/16/2022 at 9:33 am

   So sorry to hear of the loss of one of my classmates. My condolences to all his family and friends.

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3. Christine Nicholson says:

   12/16/2022 at 9:25 am

   I was saddened to hear of Babe’s passing, and my prayers are with the family. Another Angel

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4. Denise K Vuichard says:

   12/15/2022 at 7:25 pm

   Sorry for your loss

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5. PHILLIP LANTON says:

   12/15/2022 at 5:44 pm

   Sincere condolences to the Family 🙏

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6. Toni Chapman says:

   12/15/2022 at 3:14 pm

   Uncle Babe was the best, I’m sure he’s running to get hugs from Grandma, Grandpa, and all the family that went before him. Heaven gained another Angel, sad to say! Rest in Peace. Til we meet again! Love you 🙏♥️

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7. Patti and Tim Berry says:

   12/15/2022 at 1:25 pm

   So sorry for your family with the loss of Babe. He will be truly missed by his family and friends. Tim and I send our condolences.

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   • Dave and Connie Sauerwein says:

     12/20/2022 at 10:14 pm

     So sorry . He was a blast, haven’t seen him since 1986, but he was a topic of many that was easy to remember. RIP he will be misswd

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