Don Kilpatrick

Don Kilpatrick, an innovative force in Oklahoma government and politics for over a half-century, died in Naples, Florida, on September 8, 2023, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Don’s wife, Tammie, was at his side.

Don was born on September 2, 1939, in Sayre, Oklahoma, to Wayne and Mary Evelyn (Gesell) Kilpatrick. He attended Berlin Public School in Oklahoma. Don received a Juris Doctorate from Oklahoma City University.

His lifelong passion for the law, public policy, and the legislative process led Don to become actively involved in political campaigns during the 1960s. He is recognized as an innovator in campaign strategy and significantly contributed to the modernization of political campaigning in Oklahoma. His approach prioritized efficient personal interactions between candidates and the most likely voters, pioneering intensive door-to-door canvassing, widespread use of both general and targeted mailings, and a strong emphasis on organized follow-up contacts. These groundbreaking innovations introduced by Don continue to serve as the bedrock of successful political campaigns to this day.

In 1970, Don embarked on his own political journey, successfully securing a seat in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He served three terms in the House before being elected to the Oklahoma State Senate in 1976. Throughout his tenure in both chambers, Don played a pivotal role in advancing essential legislation that propelled Oklahoma's state government into the modern era. One of his signature achievements was legislation that transformed the state's approach to aiding low-income residents. Under his leadership, Oklahoma transitioned from a commodities-based system to a more efficient food stamp program. Additionally, Don was a key figure in overhauling Oklahoma's outdated public education funding model. He helped replace the inequitable block grant system with a fairer and more efficient per-student funding mechanism. This transformation continues to serve as the foundation for how Oklahoma funds its public schools today. Don held various leadership positions in the Senate until leaving the legislative branch in 1984. While in office, he chaired the powerful House Commerce, Industry and Labor Committee and the Senate Business and Labor Committee. In addition, he served as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Following his service in the Oklahoma State Senate, Don served as a member of the Oklahoma Tax Commission for 18 years, having been reappointed by both Democratic and Republican governors. He also was an innovative leader for over 25 years at the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) and served for many years as chairman of the OPERS Board of Directors. During his tenure, Don played a pivotal role in transitioning the state towards a diversified investment system. This system has had a lasting impact, as it continues to bolster the state's capacity to adequately fund retirement budgets for thousands of Oklahoma public employees.

Don was known for his honesty and candor in all his interactions, whether with legislators, governors, agency leaders, or the general public. People knew they could take him at his word. He established this reputation early in his career and maintained it throughout his professional and personal life.

One of Don’s great passions was travel. He was particularly fond of Paris and spent many months there over the years with his wife and family members. He was also a passionate supporter of his beloved San Francisco Giants baseball team and the Dallas Cowboys.

Don is survived by his wife of 34 years, Tammie Thomas Kilpatrick, sons Kent Kilpatrick and Ryan Kilpatrick as well as daughters-in-law Angela Kilpatrick and Mary Ellen Kilpatrick and a granddaughter Jules Kilpatrick.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, 127 Northwest 7th in Oklahoma City on October 12 at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s name to Avow Hospice of Naples, Florida.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hodgesfhatnaplesmg.com for the Kilpatrick family.