Carolyn Dawn Cooper Kirker

Carolyn Dawn Cooper Kirker (“Dawn”), beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025, at the age of 89 in San Antonio, Texas. Born in Knox County, Tennessee, on May 20, 1935, she lost her father at a very young age and was raised by her mother along with her two sisters in her adored Smoky Mountains. They developed an everlasting love for one another and an unbreakable bond. Anxious to see the world beyond her small town, she left home as soon as she could by joining the Air Force right out of high school.

While in the service, Dawn met Tom Kirker, the love of her life, at Griffiss AFB in Rome, New York. They soon began a 69-year-long marriage that included three sons, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Her love for Tom was undeniable. If you ever talked with her, you would know because she couldn’t go more than a few sentences without mentioning how good looking or what a wonderful man he was. Soon after starting a family, she left the Air Force, but the Air Force wouldn’t leave her as Tom made it a career. After years of living in different places around the world, they realized that raising a family would require more stability and a place to truly call home, so they settled down in San Antonio, Texas. Yet, as life took her far and wide, she came to realize just how much she loved Tennessee and those Great Smoky Mountains.

Dawn dedicated herself to raising her three sons while also building a successful career. She worked for Security Service Federal Credit Union before transitioning to the civil service at Kelly Air Force Base, where she later retired. She was proud of her work and the people she met along the way, always bringing her strong work ethic and integrity to everything she did.

She was a woman of both joy and principle—her laughter was infectious, filling every room she entered, yet she never wavered in her commitment to honesty and doing what was right. She had a natural Southern charm, complete with signature phrases and expressions that made everyone smile. A gifted storyteller, she loved to “hold court” with friends and family, keeping them entertained with outrageous stories filled with laughter, only to find out they were true, and she was generally the main character.

An avid golfer until arthritis kicked in, she spent countless hours on the course, always striving for the perfect swing. But perhaps her greatest talent was found in the kitchen, where she created meals that were as warm and comforting as she was. Her cooking was legendary, a gift she shared with all who gathered around her table. Always fond of the Air Force, Dawn and Tom would often invite young airmen, who were away from home, over for dinner. Soon, they would all become part of the family as Dawn’s generosity and enthusiasm would wash over them.

Always eager to learn, she mastered sewing, knitting, and crocheting, and even had a light green thumb in gardening and picked up computer skills after retiring. Her kindness, strength, and steadfast sense of right and wrong left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Though she has left this world, her spirit lives on in the laughter, love, and cherished memories she gave to those around her.

Dawn is survived by her sons, Scott Kirker, Kelley Kirker (Kara), and David Kirker; grandchildren, Ashley Kirker Rule (Roger), Kristin McGinty Asous (Emile), Amy Kirker Morrison (Kyle), and Jason Kirker; great-grandchildren, Makenzie Asous, Madalynn Asous, Katherine Morrison, and Taylor Morrison; sister, Andy Roe; and many nieces and nephews.

Dawn was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Kirker; mother, Pete Eckel; father, Andrew Cooper; stepfather, Frank Eckel; and sister, Jean Ogle.

A military honors service will be held at 2:45 p.m., Friday, May 30, 2025, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Shelter #5. Immediately following, a celebration of her life will be held at Tycoon Flats, 1017 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78209, where friends and family will come together to honor and celebrate her.

A special thanks to all of those who cared for Dawn at Blue Skies of Texas, both East and West campuses, especially those at Freedom House.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Please click the link below to view Carolyn's video tribute.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xEhra_R_6Vj203iLCSYfQWw76ThiPn6d/view