A dedicated tree on the grounds of American Legion Post 383 honors the loss of a young Columbus resident. Behind this tree and marker is the Christopher Reed Kilpatrick Memorial Center, also named in his honor.
Marker Text:
In Memory
Christopher Reed
Kilpatrick
PFC U.S. Army
June 28, 1986 - June 20, 2005
Bronze Star Purple Heart
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Columbus Garden Club
Arbor Day 2007
Christopher Reed Kilpatrick, 18, gave his life for his country and went to be with his Lord on Monday, June 20, 2005. He was born in Houston, Texas on June 28, 1986 to Tracy Soape Kilpatrick and Scott Reed Kilpatrick.
He attended elementary, junior high and high school in Columbus, Texas, graduating on May 28, 2004. He decided during his senior year to join the United States Army, with the intent to attend college after serving his country, and so he signed up for the Army in the spring of 2004. He began basic training Aug. 18, 2004, at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., completing the program on Oct, 28, 2004. He attended Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood and then arrived at Fort Polk, La., on Dec. 4 and was assigned to the 603rd Transportation Company, 142nd Corps Support Battalion as an 88M10 Vehicle Operator. On Feb. 20, 2005, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
While serving on active duty, Christopher received the following awards: National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal.
Christopher was a member of First Baptist Church, Columbus, Texas and also attended the Frelsburg Baptist Church. Among other things, Christopher played on the Columbus Cardinal basketball team throughout high school and he also played tennis. He was also a member of the CHS FFA chapter and a member of the FCA. Christopher was a Cub Scout, a Boy Scout and earned his Eagle Scout. He qualified for the academic all-district team and was voted most outspoken in 2004 by his classmates.
Christopher was many things to many people. He was a son, brother, nephew, cousin, grandson, friend, step-brother, stepson and finally, a soldier. He was loving, caring, brave, adventurous, fun, funny, athletic and warm-hearted. People enjoyed being around him. Even though his life was cut short, he experienced much, and lived life to the fullest. He had a wonderfully positive attitude and did his best to share it with everyone with whom he came in contact.
Christopher is survived by his father Scott Kilpatrick and wife Melissa, his mother Tracy Hanak and husband Zachary, his sisters Jaclyn and Morgan Kilpatrick, step-sisters Elizabeth and Rebecca Boulware, his paternal grandparents Bill and June Kilpatrick, all of Columbus, his maternal grandparents Jack Soape of Opelousas, La., and Scarlette Soape of Flatonia, Texas, his maternal great grandmother, Betty Baker of Krotz Spring, La., and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Christopher's body will return to Columbus with a motorcade through town on the evening of Sunday, June 26, 2005. Visitation will be held from 1-7 p.m. Monday, June 27 at the First Baptist Church sanctuary, Columbus, Texas. A prayer vigil will be conducted that night at 7 in the sanctuary. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 28 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Columbus, Texas, with visitation from 8 a.m. until the service begins at 10 a.m. Burial will follow immediately afterward at Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery, Columbus, Texas, with full military honors by the 142nd Corps Support Battalion of Fort Polk, La. The funeral service will be officiated by Pastor Sammy Carr of First Baptist Church, Columbus, Texas, and by Pastor Clayton Wallin of Frelsburg Baptist Church, Frelsburg, Texas. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Henneke Funeral Home, Columbus, Texas, with the participation of the United States Army. Serving as honorary pall bearers will be Christopher's cousins Shawn, Shannon, Jason and Josh Dabney, Aaron, Michael and Zachary Peters, and Matthew Hatfield, and his friends Bradley Berger, Brent Gorman, Ryan Henneke, Cody Kovar, Cody May, Robert Medina, Blake Rosenbaum and Eric Wood.
For those desiring, in lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Christopher Kilpatrick Memorial Scholarship Fund established at The First State Bank, P.O. Box 9, Columbus, Texas 78934 or to the charity of your choice.
The entire family gives thanks to the many people who have shown such loving kindness and remembrances of Christopher. May God bless you all.
Colorado County History - Military