Gary L. "Babe" Kirkpatrick

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.