Patricia Kay Dressen Dunn

At promptly 5 o'clock on the dot on the evening of Tuesday, October 17, Patricia Dressen Dunn left this earthly world surrounded by friends and family to raise a glass with her Heavenly brothers and sisters who have gone before her.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 5-7:00 PM at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home 5701 US Highway 277 S. in Abilene.

Always ready to make an entrance, Patty was born at the stroke of midnight in Savannah, Georgia, on August 26, 1947, to Mrs. Marjorie and Dr. Edward Dressen, her mama's prayers answered for a precious baby girl. In 1952, the family moved Patty back to her treasured hometown of Abilene, where she attended Alta Vista, South Junior High, and Jefferson Junior High, finally graduating as a proud Cooper Cougar in 1965.

After graduating from McMurry University with a Bachelors in Education, Patty chose to take a detour from schooling and engrossed herself in travel. The life of every party, Patty went on to have many adventures across the globe. Early in her career, she planned extraordinary experiences for couples and families in Hawaii, where she lived for over a decade and considered her second home.

West Texas and the vast plains she explored with her big brother and tanks she fished in with her father called her home, and Patty moved back to Abilene in 1988. Then, she reconnected with her classmate Don Dunn, whom she married in June of 1996. His quiet and understated personality to her boisterous and glittery one made quite the duo. Perfectly matched, the pair made the most of their time together with their shared passions: traveling around the US and to their cherished Cloudcroft community, sporting clays at the Abilene Gun Club, and hosting friends and family at Yucca Knob to raise a glass at 5 o'clock on their back porch they jokingly nicknamed, "It's 5 O'clock Somewhere." A nationally ranked sporting clay shooter, Patty was always an impressive shot, and her days spent volunteering at the Gun Club with her husband were some of her brightest times.

During this time, Patty returned to her educational roots and began teaching reading at Lincoln Middle School, formerly Abilene High School, where her father proudly graduated in 1929. In the classroom, Patty was a force to be reckoned with. She had a knack for making even the most difficult subjects engaging and interesting, and they always found a way to connect with their students on a personal level, including singing Happy Birthday to her students in their preferred impressions from Elvis to Opera to Country Music star. But Patty's impact extended far beyond the classroom. She was a mentor, a confidant, and a friend to many of her students. She was always willing to lend a listening ear or offer a helping hand, and never judged anyone. She retired from Craig Middle School and kept in contact with many of her students, even during her final days. Although Patty did not have children of her own, she was a nurturing and supportive figure to many. She was a beloved aunt, godmother, and mentor to countless young people.

Patty did many things well, but her exponential thoughtfulness and loyalty made her a truly exceptional friend. Her close-knit circle always knew they were loved and protected. Whether it was inviting them to decorate her buggy to participate in community parades, a random phone call just when you needed it or a birthday card with a lottery ticket, those she loved knew they were always remembered and cherished by her. Her friend's pictures adorn almost every wall in her home, countless memories of a life well lived.

Patty was preceded in death by her father, Ed, mama Marjorie, and the love of her life, Don Dunn.

Patty is survived by her big brother Russell Dressen and his wife Linda, niece Kristen Dressen Kyker and her husband Reid, nephew Jeff Dressen and his wife Trish, great-niece Julia Davenport and her husband Lane, great-niece Addison Kyker and her fiancé Eric Magee, great-nephew JR Dressen, Kelton Tobin and great-niece Kate Dressen; her sweet Brody boy, beloved friends and friends made family.

The family wishes to express their extreme gratitude to Hendrick Hospice, who cared for Patty in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hendrick Hospice or Ben Richey Boys Ranch in Patty's memory.

It's 5 o'clock somewhere, Patty. You will be wholly and completely missed, but we'll think of you every time we raise a glass and say cheers!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elliott-hamil.com for the family.