97-year-old celebrates nearly 80 years working at Coca-Cola

FORT SMITH (KFSM) — Fred Kirkpatrick has been working at the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Fort Smith for nearly 80 years.

He’s worn a number of hats in his time with the company, but the 97-year-old is now the archivist and curator of the plant’s museum on the second level.

“I’ve always been interested in history and I collect stamps, and I collect baseball cards and things like that,” Kirkpatrick said.

So for Kirkpatrick, or Mr. K as many people call him, it was only natural for him to collect old documents and Coca-Cola memorabilia.

“That’s primarily what I do is look after the museum and the archives,” Kirkpatrick said.

Mr. K got his start at Coca-Cola in 1938.

He also has an answer to the secret of his longevity, click here to read more from KFSM..