Dr. Ben Thomas Kirkpatrick Jr.

Dr. Ben Thomas Kirkpatrick Jr., 102, passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 11, 1923, in Abilene, Texas, and was raised in Tulia, Texas.

Visitation: 6pm - 8pm, Monday September 28, 2026 at White's Funeral Home in Mineral Wells, 101 NE 4th Ave, Mineral Wells, TX 76067.

Funeral Service: 11am, Tuesday September 29 2026 at First Presbyterian Church of Mineral Wells, 300 NW 4th Ave, Mineral Wells, TX 76067

Burial: Woodland Park Cemetery following the funeral service.

Ben grew up in Tulia during the Great Depression. His mother started him in school at the age of five so that he and his brother, Stewart, could be in the same class. Ben was an excellent student from an early age and developed the discipline and work ethic that stayed with him throughout his life.

At 16, Ben began working at a grocery store doing bookkeeping. His reputation as a bright and dependable young man soon caught the attention of a local banker, who recruited him away from the grocery store to work at the bank. He also worked at the local ice house on weekends while finishing school. After graduating from Tulia High School, Ben attended Texas Tech.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Ben and his brother, Stewart, entered the United States Navy and both became pilots. Stewart served as a fighter pilot, while Ben became a Naval Aviator and flew transport and cargo aircraft. Ben served throughout the Pacific during World War II, including service in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. His military decorations included the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, American Theater Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.

While serving in the Navy, Ben met Elizabeth Ann Hoffman, who was serving with the WAVES. Their story began when Ben flew past the control tower where Elizabeth was working. Ben later saw a beautiful woman in the cafeteria and it and it turned out to be Elizabeth. The two later married and began their life together in St. Paul, Minnesota, Elizabeth’s hometown.

After the war, Ben attended the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. He excelled academically and graduated first in his class. His academic record was remembered as exceptional, with his grades standing as the highest for over two decades, and still may remain as the highest in school history.

In 1957, Dr. Kirkpatrick established his dental practice in Mineral Wells at the northeast corner of the Crazy Water Hotel. After several years, Ben moved his practice to a medical arts building with other professionals where he remained for the rest of his career. He practiced dentistry there for many years while he and Elizabeth raised their three children in Mineral Wells. All three children graduated from Mineral Wells High School.

Ben was a longtime and active member of First Presbyterian Church of Mineral Wells. Before moving to Oklahoma in 2022, he was the church’s oldest member and had been part of the congregation for many years.

Ben believed strongly in staying active and taking care of himself. He exercised throughout his life and especially loved playing golf. He remained an avid golfer and recorded two holes-in-one after the age of 80. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason, and was always dedicated to self-improvement.

Ben was organized, disciplined, strong-willed, and particular about doing things the right way. He was meticulous about his home and yard and took pride in keeping everything well maintained. At the same time, those who knew him remember him as kind, gentle, and simply “the nicest man you have ever known.”

He and Elizabeth enjoyed playing bridge and were part of a monthly bridge group for many years. Ben also loved skiing and family trips to Padre Island. After their children were grown, he and Elizabeth traveled extensively together, visiting destinations around the world.

Dr. Kirkpatrick is preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Ann Hoffman Kirkpatrick; parents, Ben Thomas Kirkpatrick Sr. and Eltha Blanche Stewart Kirkpatrick; brother Stewart Kirkpatrick and wife Annabelll; sister, Gloria Carver and husband Dr. Richard Carver; grandson, Christopher Deets; son-in-law, August Deets; and nephew, Jimmy Kirkpatrick.

He is survived by his children, Timothy Kirkpatrick, Elizabeth Deets, and Phillip Kirkpatrick and wife Jane; his grandchildren, Shawn Lewis, Ian Kirkpatrick and wife Michelle, Morgan Kirkpatrick, Cher Kirkpatrick, Tracie Deets, David Deets, and Janet McHenry and husband Jarred; great-grandchildren, Kaylianne, Gracianne, Trey, Emery, Violet, August, Aubrie, Killian, Margot, and Jessie; and his nieces, Martha Matzen, Debbie Reed, Deann Britt, and Janis Goins; as well as numerous other family members and friends.

Throughout his long life, Ben remained devoted to his family, his faith, his profession, and the principles of hard work and discipline that had guided him since childhood. He will be remembered for his remarkable work ethic, sharp mind, quiet kindness, and the example he set for his family.