A. W. Patterson Jr.'s Obituary
PATTERSON, JR, A.W. A memorial service for Colonel A.W. “Pat” Patterson, Jr., 93, of Dallas and Tyler will be held in the Wynne Chapel of Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas on Friday, January 3, 2014, at 4:00 P.M., with a private burial at Restland. Mr. Patterson passed away on December 20, 2013, in Tyler. Pat was born February 14, 1920, and was raised in Dallas, graduating from Crozier Tech High School in 1937 as salutatorian. His years at the University of Texas at Austin were interrupted by the invasion of Pearl Harbor, whereupon he enlisted in the Air Force, completing two tours of duty during World War II. His first tour was in Bangalore, India, where he flew supplies at night over the Himalaya Mountains, often referred to as “Flying the Hump.” His second tour was in Colombo, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), where he served as Air Force Base Commander. After the war, Pat transferred to the Reserves, ultimately achieving the rank of full Colonel. In March of 1946, he married June Hines, and was blessed with a glorious marriage enduring 53 years. He often said that the day he became associated with the Hines family was the luckiest day of his life. In 1950, after graduating from Law School at Southern Methodist University, he began a lifelong fulfilling work relationship with the Wright Titus Insurance Agency. He was a member of Glen Lakes Country Club, where he served as president, Preston Trail Golf Club, where he also served as president, and a 50 year member of the Dallas Country Club. He loved to dance with June, and did so at every opportunity. He also loved the game of golf and the camaraderie that it afforded him. Pat Patterson will be remembered for his love of family and friends. His spirited sense of humor, his perpetual positive attitude and his sense of fairness are treasured gifts he has left behind. He had the uncanny ability to make each of us want to be a better person, because, above all else, he was a man of the highest integrity. That gift is the one most valued and remembered by all of us who knew him, loved him and will miss him so very much. We are honored to have called him ours and cherish each of those 93 years. He is preceded in death by his wife, June Hines Patterson, and a son, Patrick Joseph Patterson. He is survived by his loving family: daughter, Carolyn Patterson Franklin and husband Roger Polan of Dallas; daughter, Delia “Dede” Patterson Smith and husband Rodney of Tyler; and son, Sam Hines Patterson of Dallas. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Nancy Franklin Shakespeare and husband Steve of Katy; Margaret Franklin Hickl and husband Jeff of Houston; Owen Franklin of Lake Jackson; Lauren Smith of Dallas; Austin Smith and wife Emily of Tyler; Matthew Patterson of Austin; and Megan Patterson of The Colony; and seven great-grandchildren. Honorary Pallbearers include Owen Franklin, Austin Smith, Matthew Patterson, Tom Blakeley, Cole Stephens, Jr., Jon Ruff, Bob Berryhill, Sam Beard, Gary Dobie, Tim Howells and Steven Hauser. In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorials to A.W. Patterson, Jr. may be made to Highland Park Presbyterian Church, 3821 University Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75205, or to All Saints Episcopal School, 2695 S.S.W. Loop 323, Tyler, Texas 75701.
What’s your fondest memory of A.?
What’s a lesson you learned from A.?
Share a story where A.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with A. you’ll never forget.
How did A. make you smile?