Larry D Kilpatrick

On December 7, 2022, Larry D. Kilpatrick of Southside New Philadelphia, took his final victory lap with the checkered flag held high and proud. Our wonderful husband, dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather is now with other racing legends continuing their endless left-hand turns on the glorious asphalt and dirt ovals in our Lord’s kingdom.

Larry was a life-long Tuscarawas County resident and proud of it. He was born in Uhrichsville to the late Francis and Ruth Kilpatrick on March 28, 1938 and graduated a fierce Uhrichsville Tiger in 1956. Larry’s sister, Lois Beaber formerly of Uhrichsville and Medford, OR predeceased him.

Larry was a lifelong baseball junkie and was forever ready to talk baseball with whoever would listen. His two sons, Todd (Kathy) of Wadsworth, OH and Gregory (Tia) of Granbury, Texas, followed their father’s footsteps on the baseball diamond as pitchers. They both grew up hearing the stories of the legendary righty known as “Killer” whose untamed fastball became one of the most feared pitches on local sandlots during his youth as he emulated his boyhood idol, Bob Feller. Larry took immense pride in coaching both of his sons and establishing the Uhrichsville Little League’s “Romig’s Insurance” dynasty in the 1970s bringing home the championship in four successive seasons, an unprecedented feat at the time. Both of his sons went on to pitch at the collegiate level, a source of unending joy for the baseball “lifer.”  His greatest disappointment was never being able to witness a World Series championship for his beloved Cleveland Indians after 1948.

While Larry briefly attempted to pursue his first love at the professional level, his lifelong passion for cars, and especially fast blue Buicks emblazoned with the #27, prevailed. The rest is the subject of lore in the annals of the renowned asphalt and dirt ovals of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia where Larry assembled a legion of fans over his almost 30 years of stock car racing. One of his most cherished memories was his induction into the Midvale Speedway Hall of Fame in 2018 surrounded by his family and numerous fans. The smile on his face that night will be forever etched in the memories of his family. No summary of his racing career would be complete without the mention of his longtime car owner, racing companion and dear friend, Carl “Jum” Simmons of Uhrichsville.

Larry also helped raise two wonderful daughters for whom his love and affection were limitless. Sherry Bichsel (whose beloved husband Hans was taken from us much too soon), and Jody Kilpatrick both of New Philadelphia were at his side throughout Larry’s life. He would invariably mention his pride in his daughters’ accomplishments in every conversation. Larry cherished his time with his daughters and especially the many excursions they shared to the beaches of Florida, Aruba, and other exotic locales.

While Larry’s relationship with, and the accomplishments of, his kids was truly a special part of his life, it pales in comparison to his 62 years of committed marriage (and 65 years together total) to his wife Patricia (Stanley) Kilpatrick, who survives. Together, Larry and Pat experienced all of life’s wonderful moments and survived all of its speed bumps as an inseparable pair. In doing so, they set a truly special example of what marriage can and should be: a lifelong commitment to your one true love. In a word, amazing!

Larry was also a long-time member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks serving both the Uhrichsville and New Philadelphia lodges. While a member of the Uhrichsville lodge Larry served a term as Exalted Ruler as well as a Trustee and Officer. Larry made many friends during his time with the Elks and those relationships were incredibly special to him.

Larry is also survived by several grandchildren and great grandchildren who were all shining beacons of light in his life. Granddaughters Maggie Bichsel (Josh Carlisle), Abby Burch (David) and Elle Bichsel all of New Philadelphia were always at his side and forever willing to make his life easier and happier in any way they could. Grandsons Colin Kilpatrick of Binghamton, NY, Cameron Kilpatrick of Wadsworth, OH Keegan Kilpatrick of Granbury, Texas, and step Grandson Nicholas Corwin of Wadsworth, OH brought Larry countless moments of pride and happiness. Great Granddaughters Addy Bowe and Aleigha Burch would always bring out Larry’s biggest smiles.

Numerous nieces and nephews spread throughout the country complete the family. His nephew, Phillip (Janet) Beaber of Medford, OR with whom he established a son-like relationship later in life was particularly special to Larry. Phillip and Janet were always so kind and caring, and Larry loved them both dearly. Elle Bichsel’s fiancé Bryce Allensworth also of New Philadelphia possessed a special spot in Larry’s heart as a fellow racer. Larry could not wait for those warm summer nights when he could accompany Sherry and Elle to the track to cheer on Bryce. Jerry and Tyke Bichsel of New Philadelphia were also dear to Larry. They made him feel like family for which he was eternally grateful.

Calling hours and a funeral service to celebrate Larry’s life will be held at R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home located at 26 Grant Street in Dennison Ohio on Monday, December 12. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with the funeral service to follow immediately officiated by the Rev. Joe Svancara of the First Presbyterian Church of New Philadelphia. Burial will take place at Union Cemetery in Uhrichsville directly following the funeral service where Larry will be laid to rest with his beloved parents and sister. The family invites all to join them for the burial service. Memorial contributions can be made in Larry’s name to the Tuscarawas Humane Society.