Dr. Joe Kyle Kilgore

Dr. Joe "Kyle" Kilgore

October 8, 1938 – August 23, 2025

Jasper, Tennessee

Dr. Joe Kyle Kilgore, 86, of Jasper, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

Born in Richard City, Tennessee to Melvin Ras Kilgore and Ella Mae Locke Kilgore, Dr. Kilgore grew up with a love of hunting, fishing, and football. Following high school, he received a college scholarship to play football at Tennessee Technological University where he was the co-captain of the 1959 OVC Championship Team and received the Best Defensive Player Trophy. After completing the 1959 football season, he entered the University of Tennessee of Memphis School of Dentistry, graduating in 1962.

A man of deep faith, Dr. Kilgore was a long-time member of The First Baptist Church of Jasper, where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Interim Choir Director, Choir member, and was bestowed upon him the title of Deacon Emeritus for his faithful service and ministry to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and God's church in 2018.

Dr. Kilgore was a man deeply devoted to his family, his profession, and his community. Beyond his distinguished services as a dental officer in the Unites States Public Health Service, Dr. Kilgore continued to give back in meaningful and lasting ways. He served his community through various commitments, including his time on the Marion County School Board and the Marion County Commission.

A man of strong moral conviction and quiet leadership, Dr. Kilgore was a 32-degree member of the Scottish Rite.

Dr. Kilgore was a beloved dentist in Jasper for 44 years, known not only for his professional excellence but also for his genuine kindness and humor he shared with each patient who sat in his chair. His work was more than a career, it was a calling of service, and his gentle presence made a lasting impression on countless lives throughout the community.

Beyond the dental chair, Dr. Kilgore was a gifted woodworker who found joy in creating with his hands. Whether it was crafting furniture and small treasures or quilting and crocheting, his love for detail and design reflected the same care he gave to all aspects of life.

Dr. Kilgore shared a beautiful life with is devoted wife, Patsy Colvard Kilgore – the love of his life and constant companion. Their bond was one of enduring love and partnership, cherished by all who knew them.

Dr. Kilgore's legacy is one of service, kindness, generosity, and faith-a life well lived and well loved.

Dr. Kilgore was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Ras Kilgore and Ella Mae Locke Kilgore; wife, Patsy Colvard Kilgore; son, Joe Kyle Kilgore, II; brother, Melvin Loyd Kilgore, and sister, Imogene Kilgore Vinson.

He is survived by his children, Elizabeth (Libba) Estep (Marc) Carter of Brentwood, TN, Kayla Kilgore McGowan of Jasper, TN; grandchildren Jackson Colvard Estep and Elizabeth Graham Estep both of Brentwood, TN, Joe Kyle (Emma Kate) Kilgore, III and Adam Carroll (Karsyn McCanless) Kilgore both of Columbia, TN, and Robert Andrew (Bailey) McGowan and Katelyn Mae McGowan both of Jasper, and great granddaughters, Brielle Adeline McGowan and Mary Helen Kilgore; brother-in-law, Charles B. ( Winkie) Colvard and special caregiver and friend, Shannon Minter Belk.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (CDT) at the Jasper Chapel of Rogers Funeral Home with the Pastor Greg Steele officiating.

Dr. Kilgore will be laid to rest with beloved wife of 60 years, Pasty Colvard Kilgore at Pine Grove Cemetery, Jasper, Tennessee.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. till 12:00 (noon) (CDT) prior to the funeral service in the Jasper Chapel of Rogers Funeral Home, 21 East Fifth St., Jasper, TN.

Active pallbearers are Joe Kyle Kilgore, III, Robert Andrew McGowan, Jackson Colvard Estep, Adam Carroll Kilgore, Katelyn Mae McGowan and Randall Kyle Kellermann.

The family requests memorials be made to the Jasper First Baptist Church Building Fund or the Jasper Public Library.

Arrangements are made by Rogers Funeral Home, 21 East Fifth Street, Jasper, Tennessee (423) 942-2682 or (423) 837-7176.