William Kirk Pipkin, age 91, had his homecoming to be in the Lord’s presence on Thursday, the 12th of September 2013. Kirk was born in Keller, Texas, on the 15th of September 1921, to Martha Ellen and Bert Pipkin. He graduated from Paschal High School in Fort Worth in 1939 and The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Civil Engineering, and with Tau Beta Pi, and Chi Epsilon Honors. He was always an avid Longhorn fan and he would say that you can get a “real education” in Austin at UT. Due to World War II, he was sent to the University of Chicago and obtained a degree in meteorology to support the war effort. When the war concluded, he started his professional career as an engineer in 1945. His employment included The Texas Highway Department, Humble Oil and Refining Company, California Division of Highways, Dow Chemical Company for over three decades, and consulting services for Core Real Estate, where he worked with one of his sons. After 60 plus years of experience in construction engineering, he said that he and a “thinking draftsman” could build anything, anywhere, anytime. He did not retire until he was 90 years old and he missed only one day of work in his entire career. He was elected as a Life Member of The American Society of Civil Engineers and licensed as a Professional Engineer.
Kirk was ordained as a Deacon at Tallowood Baptist Church in 1963. Through his faith and witness, he blessed many people including his family, neighbors, colleagues, and church members. He served in the prison ministry at the Fort Bend High Security Correction Facility and the Lord used him immensely as His vessel for the Kingdom. He and his wife joined Second Baptist Church in 1987. He would tell you that Christ Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. To shine the Light, he and his Sunday school class designed a “Ticket to Heaven” to spread the Word. Over 100,000 tickets have been handed out literally all over the world. We are changed forever by his spiritual leadership, his perseverance, and his authenticity. His faith was undeniable.
He married Dorothy Jean Summers on the 23rd of February 1951, and they were “equally yoked” embracing the same Christian beliefs and values. They affectionately called each other Mr. and Mrs. Fox and were sweethearts for 62 years.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, three sisters; Lenora White, Ouita Rigney and Elberta Lowther; and his brother, John Pipkin. Kirk is survived by his loving and faithful wife, Jean Summers Pipkin; daughter, Deborah Jean Freeland and husband Ralph Freeland; son, Richard Kirk Pipkin and wife Laura Templeton Pipkin; son, Gregory Phillip Pipkin and wife Elizabeth Wiemer Pipkin; grandchildren (the “real treasures”) Taylor Kirk Pipkin and wife Sarahbeth Sharp Pipkin; Natalie Louise Pipkin, Thomas William Pipkin, Gregory Phillip Pipkin, Jr., William Conrad Pipkin, Austin Keller Pipkin, Margaret Elizabeth Pipkin, and Olivia Summers Pipkin.
He spent every moment he could supporting his grandchildren’s athletic events, attending school functions, recitals, awards ceremonies, and spending time with them individually. He taught them to mow the grass, be on time, and love Jesus. And who could ever forget the countless lunches after church? It was important for all of them to know his belief in God, his viewpoints on life, and his patriotism. “Daddy Kirk” was a man of zero compromise and he was unwavering in his principles and work ethic. He encouraged everyone to use their talents to glorify God and he unconditionally loved and delighted in each of us. We will miss him deeply.
A memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Monday, the 16th of September, in the Sanctuary of Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the nearby Deacon’s Parlor.
Prior to the service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to The Winning Walk, Box 3366, Houston, TX, 77253; or to the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center or the University of Texas - “Kirk and Jean Pipkin Engineering Scholarship”, 1 University Station, C2104, Austin, TX, 78712-0287.
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