Steve L Kirkpatrick

Steven Leroy Kirkpatrick, 65, of Cozad, Nebraska, formerly of Lexington, passed away peacefully at Kearney Regional Medical Center on September 1, 2025.

He was born on May 1, 1960 in Lexington, NE to LeRoy Kirkpatrick and Bernice Reitzel Kirkpatrick Walton. Steve loved his family and his many friends. Steve graduated from Lexington High School.

Steve worked at a variety of jobs over the years. He worked on maintenance at South View

Manor, ran his own lawn mowing business, worked on a contract with Monroes through South Central Developmental Services, and he was employed by Hi-Gain Feedlot for over 30 years. He was proud of every position he held and valued the relationships he built with coworkers and supervisors.

Steve had many interests. He loved fast cars and attended national drag car events with friends. He went on several cruises and loved meeting people, seeing new sights and exploring the world.

Steve had a lifelong interest in his hometown football team, the Lexington Minutemen. He loved attending games and supporting his team. He was a huge Dallas Cowboys fan. He enjoyed giving his friends who were Nebraska Husker fans a hard time. This interest extended into other sports. He attended pro-wrestling events, local football, basketball and volleyball games.

He was especially proud to be a part of the Cozad Fire Department. He felt the service they provide to the community was very important and was proud to be a part of the team. Steve was a proud member of People First of Dawson County for over 20 years. He served as President for the last 7 years. In 2022 People First of Dawson County received Chapter of the Year Award.

Nothing was too small to him. He gave it his all in relationships and throughout his life. He was generous with his belongings to others and was a benefactor to the community.

Steve as one of those people who never met a stranger. He was genuinely inte rested in the people he met and enjoyed learning about them. If he knew you, he cared about you, your family and was interested in your life. He will be missed by family and many friends.

Steve is survived by a brother, Thomas Yamada of Colorado; sisters Betty Jo (Roger) Knaggs of Ogallala, NE; Beverly (Jerrie) Slatter of California; Charlotte Brown of Georgia; Mary (Ken) Hines of Overton, NE; many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation with closed casket will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington, with family receiving guests from 5-7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Parkview Baptist Church in Lexington with Pastor Keith Strasburger, officiating. The service will be live streamed via the Parkview Baptist Church website.

Graveside Services will be held after the service at Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the South Central Development Services or the Cozad Volunteer Fire Department.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com