Graveside service with full military honors for Ambuss Howell Kilpatrick, 92, of Exeter were held on June 14. He died on June 9 at Linwood Gardens in Visalia.
He was born on March 29, 1912 in Lemesa, Texas, to Oscar and Ethel Kilpatrick. He was married to LaVonna Carruth Kilpatrick. In 1933, he joined the United States Navy and served until 1947 as Rank Chief Machinist Mate. He was on the Destroyer USS Porter during the attack of Pearl Harbor. After active duty in the Navy, he moved to Barstow, Calif. where he spent 17 years working for the Civil Service at Barstow Military Dry Storage, and seven years working for the Barstow School District. In 1982 he married Velma Webster Kilpatrick and moved to Exeter where he spent the rest of his "retired" life. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He dedicated many volunteer hours to the construction of the Exeter Manor house.
He is survived by his wife, Velma; daughters, Cheryl Miller, Wilma Hirni, and Pat Moebs; son, Melvin Webster; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Online condolences can be made at www.smithfamilychapel.com. Arrangements were under the direction of Smith Family Chapel of Exeter.
