Donald Don Raymond Patterson

Donald R. Patterson, 84, of Lufkin, was born May 23, 1927 in Amarillo, Texas, the son of the late Mrs. Roy L. (Boyd) and J.R. Patterson. He passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2011 following a courageous 4-year battle with cancer.

Born in Amarillo, Mr. Patterson graduated from Lufkin High School in 1944. He was on the first football team that went to State in 1943-44. He joined the United States Navy in 1944 on the FDR Midway and later was a plank owner. He attended Stephen F. Austin State University and was employed by Texas Foundry for 50 years. He was married to Mickey Williams for 44 years until her death in 1989. He later married Evelena Fenley in 1991. He loved his family. He enjoyed dancing, all sports and was an avid golfer at the Lufkin Country Club. He also enjoyed collecting LP records, listening to music and telling stories. He was a life member of the V.F.W., P.O.L.K. of A, SPJST, Squadrons and Shipmates of the FDR Midway. Mr. Patterson was a member of Lufkin's First United Methodist Church.

Mr. Patterson is survived by his wife, Evelena Patterson of Lufkin; daughter, Donna Lynne Norwood of Arlington; stepson, Clinton E. Salyer, Jr. and wife Laura of Huntsville; grandchildren, Zackery and Zoe Norwood; step-grandchildren, Monika Forrest and Christopher Forrest; sister-in-law, Doris Rose and husband Richard of Cypress; brothers, J. R. Patterson and wife Pud of Henderson and Bob Patterson and wife Phyllis of Palm Springs, California; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Patterson was preceded in death by his first wife, Mickey Williams Patterson; and brother, Scott Patterson.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Patterson's memory may be made to Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904.

Pallbearers will be Ben Patterson, Christopher Forrest, Zachery Norwood, Hershel Shoemaker, Jeff Compton and Rick Ortiz.

Services for Mr. Patterson will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 16, 2011 in the Gipson Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend Vicky Davidson officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening at Gipson Funeral Home.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com

Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home.