Gaylon Patterson

Allen Gaylon Patterson, 95, passed away on August 16, 2022 in Fort Smith, AR.

He was born on April 1, 1927 in Montrose, CO to Allen T. and Patricia Patterson. He served in the United States Navy, and was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War.

He worked for over 30 years in Fort Smith's burgeoning furniture manufacturing industry. He was employed by Fort Smith Couch & Bedding Company, Stell Manufacturing, and Flanders Manufacturing, before becoming Vice President of Sales for Riverside Furniture Corporation, from where he retired in 1985.

He was elected to serve three terms as Justice of the Peace on the Sebastian County Quorum Court in the 1980's.

In retirement, he became a certified Gemologist, specializing in diamond procurement and appraisal, and an expert collector of antique, American-made pocket watches, of which his collection was vast. He was also an avid booster of the Westark and UAFS basketball programs, where he could be seen on the front row, mid-court at so many games.

He was a long-time member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Fort Smith. At the time of his death, he was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Greenwood.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Freda (Johnson) Patterson; son Justin Patterson (Laura Danley) of Sherwood, AR; his brother Calvin G. Patterson of Fort Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 pm on Sunday, August 21 at Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith. Funeral Services will be held at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, August 22 at 10:00 am, with interment to follow at Fort Smith National Cemetery.

In expression of sympathy, memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church in Greenwood, AR or First Lutheran School in Fort Smith, AR.

To view the online guestbook or access the memorials, please go to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com