Mr. Arvin Wendell Kilpatrick

Arvin Wendell Kilpatrick left this world on Monday, August 24, and stepped into his eternal home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He died after bravely battling numerous health issues over the past several years. Arvin was born on March 23, 1936 in Slaton, Texas, to Eulah Mae Kilpatrick and Virgil Samuel Kilpatrick.

As a young man he worked on the family farm near Girard, Texas. After graduation from Girard High School, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Crafton, in Lubbock, Texas. The new couple lived in Spur, Texas until Arvin was accepted into the Texas Department of Public Safety training academy in Austin. Being a law enforcement officer for the Texas DPS was a career dream that he held since he was a young boy. Upon graduation, he was stationed in Balmorhea, Texas. He later had the opportunity to transfer to Lamesa, Texas. After being promoted to the rank of Sergeant, he was transferred to Midland. He retired in 1993 having attained the rank of Captain.

Arvin loved his family dearly. He also loved his career as well as the men and women who served along side him. He was a man of deep faith and the love he had for his Savior the Lord Jesus Christ was foremost in his life. He served his Lord and his church as a deacon and also taught Sunday School to various age groups for many years. The men he worked with over the years gave him the nickname “Killer”, a name that stuck with him and one that he cherished. Despite the endearing nickname, Arvin was a man with a heart of gold and would be the first to help anyone in need or had fallen on bad times. Arvin was a very talented guitar player. He was a self-taught guitarist and enjoyed playing for his church as well as other public events. He and his friends along with other family members enjoyed getting together and playing music, often times into the early morning hours on a weekend. He also enjoyed woodworking in his shop. He made numerous pieces of furniture and rocking horses for his granddaughters.

Arvin is preceded in death by his father, Virgil Kilpatrick, his mother Eulah “Sue” Kilpatrick and a sister Bonnie Young of Killeen. He is survived by his wife of over 71 years, Betty Lou Kilpatrick of Lubbock, a daughter Lisa Crawford (Alan) of Lubbock and a son Audie Kilpatrick (Dondi) of Lubbock. He is survived by four granddaughters, Lindsey Glasscock (Colton) of Shallowater, Lauren Szot (Jake) of Midland, Autumn Selph (Garrett) of Lampasas and Hannah Crawford of Lubbock. He also is survived by five great-grandsons, Trayson Glasscock, Braxton Glasscock and Camdon Glasscock of Shallowater, Tucker Szot of Midland and Ryder Selph of Lampasas. Also, one great-granddaughter, Julia Szot of Midland. He is also survived by a step grandson, Ross Crawford (Cheryl), and their children all of Midland. In addition, there are numerous nieces and nephews.

Reverend Jeremy Franklin, pastor of Lakeridge Baptist Church in Lubbock will be officiating. Funeral services are being conducted by and will be held at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers, located at 6025 82nd Street in Lubbock. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery in Lubbock.

The family is forever thankful for the loving and professional care provided by Hospice of Lubbock, with a very special thank you to Cassandra and Serena.