Jay Lyle Kilpatrick

Jay Lyle Kilpatrick, age 83, passed away Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, at Unity Health hospital in Searcy, Ark. Jay was born July 16, 1940, in Galesburg, Ill., 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, Ark., Jay Kilpatrick II of Judsonia, Ark., and Jared Kilpatrick and his wife Lorrie of Ash Grove, Mo. 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. Zachery Kilpatrick and wife Brittany, Reagan Foltz and husband Mack, Summer Kilpatrick and significant other Michael Sommers; and great-grandchildren, Charlie, Olivia, Lylah Kay, Zacharia, Zevirah, Xaylin, Amara, Emy, Journey, Alyvea and Bennet (due in December).

Jay graduated 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 Sept. 30, 1998. He then moved to Searcy, Ark.

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 was held from will be 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Searcy McEuen Funeral Home.

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

Share a memory: www.SearcyMcEuenFuneral Home.com.