Don Kirkpatrick

Donald Kirkpatrick, whose name and reputation were synonymous with successful advertising and promotion throughout Birmingham, died of an extended illness at St. Vincent's Hospital on October 3, 2019. He was age 86. His ideas and talents served large and small clients for decades. Don's ambitious series of touring Broadway shows was highlighted by "Hello Dolly," which was staged at Municipal Auditorium and starred Broadway favorite Carol Channing. Kirkpatrick Advertising was preceded by a partnership with Wesley Bonzo, which helped open growth for the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and its annual banquet. For years, Don helped plan the annual awards banquet. His and Wes' membership in the local Ad Club led them to become recipients of several awards. A graduate of Birmingham-Southern College, Don nonetheless affiliated with Auburn University and was former president of the Birmingham chapter of the Auburn Alumni Club; also first president of the local Touchdown Club. Other civic involvement included The Club, Vestavia Country Club and former Downtown Club. One of four children born to John Riley Kirkpatrick and Dolores Melton Kirkpatrick, Don spent youthful years at home in North Birmingham, attended the neighborhood grammar school and graduated from Phillips High School. The family consisted of sister Mildred and brothers Robert and Glenn Kirkpatrick. Don worked his way through Birmingham-Southern primarily as a disk jockey at WCRT, the good music radio station in those years. He also did lesser vocal jobs for income and participated in Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. In December 1965, Katherine (Rusty) Glass and Don were married at All Saints Episcopal Church, in Homewood. Their children are Donald Boulware Kirkpatrick, II (Jan) and Reilly Kirkpatrick Williamson (Rob). Grandchildren are William Patterson Kirkpatrick, Ansley Katherine Kirkpatrick, Wesley Kellam Williamson and Reilly Elizabeth Williamson. Don and Rusty were longtime active members of All Saints Episcopal Church, and for years he cooked breakfast between worship services. His funeral service will be Monday, October 7 at 4 p.m. in the All Saints Episcopal Church sanctuary, with the Rev. Mike Cleckler presiding. The family asks, instead of flowers, that gifts be given to the All Saints Episcopal Church, designating the Pastoral Care Committee, the Altar Guild, or to Birmingham's Jimmie Hale Mission. Special thanks also are made to caregivers Christy Lyles and Beverly Ann Webb. This obituary was written by long time friend, Donald A. Brown.