Robert Earl Patterson

He graduated from Sam Rayburn High School in Pasadena, Texas and joined the Army out of High School. After Basic Training at Fort Knox in Kentucky he was based at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas. Robert was a M1A1 Abrams Armor Crewman in the 2nd Armored Division (Hell on Wheels) and they were quickly sent to the 1st Gulf War codenamed "Operation Desert Storm" to attach to the Division's 1st brigade, known as the "Tiger Brigade" for the war providing heavy armor support of the United States Marine Corps forces in their attack into Kuwait. Robert's Tank was the lead tank at the tip of an arrowhead formation in the first platoon of the first company of the first battalion of all of Tiger Brigade into Kuwait.

Robert received several service medals and ribbons during his time in the Army: National Defense Service medal, Army Service ribbon, Expert badge grenades, Marksman badge pistol, Southwest Asia service medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, and Kuwait Liberation medal.

After his service in the 1st Gulf War, Robert came back and married his High School sweetheart and lived the rest of his Army Career at Fort Hood. In 1997, they welcomed their son, Zachary. Several years later, Robert eventually finished his education and received his Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice. While finishing his degree, he became a Fork Lift driver in several manufacturing companies and a contract worker in the Petrochemical Industry. Because of his war-related disabilities, Robert was never able to serve as a police officer like he dreamed. He did continue to work elsewhere until his disabilities kept him on the sidelines.

Robert had several hobbies and interests. He loved playing baseball - he was a pitcher and played from City ball from T-ball age all the way through High School. He loved cooking, snow skiing, duck hunting, fishing, and collecting Hot Wheels. Robert had a love for God, Family, and Country. And Yes... he was a mama's boy! As his sister, I can rejoice today that he is in no more pain, in a new heavenly body, with our beloved mom!

He was preceded in passing by his Paw Paw & Mema, Rev. Sim A. & Ida Lee Bonner; Grandmother & Granddaddy, Earl & Ruth Patterson; Mother, Patricia Ann Bonner/Riza and many beloved Aunts and Uncles. Robert is Survived by his son, Zachary Robert (Patterson) Knepp and wife Sloane; granddaughter, Harper Penelope Knepp; sister, Lee Ann Philgreen and husband Brian; along with numerous other family.

A visitation will be held in his honor on Thursday, August 29, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. inside the Chapel of American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038. The Celebration of Life will commence at 12:00 p.m., after which he will be escorted to the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038, where he will be laid to rest with honors.

Following the committal ceremony, Robert's family would like to invite his friends and loved ones to a Reception held in the Magnolia Room of American Heritage to continue to fellowship and share in his memory.

In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made in Robert's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness..." - 2 Timothy 4:7

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AmericanHeritageFuneralHome.com for the Patterson family.