Francis Patterson

Francis Preston 'Pat' Patterson, 85, of Mansfield, died at home Wednesday, February 15, 2006. Pat was born January 12, 1921, in Morrow County to Laura Cleveland and Perry Wilson Patterson. Pat graduated from Galion High School in 1939. During WWII, Pat served in the Fourth Marine Division in the Pacific, where he saw action on Saipan and Iwo Jima, and where he received a Purple Heart. On November 28, 1946, Pat married Mary Snyder at the Ontario Community Methodist Church. He graduated from the Ohio State University in 1949, and later earned from there his Master's Degree. Pat is best known for teaching chemistry and physics at Galion High School, from where he retired in 1982. He was also a member and past Post Commander of the VFW Post #7651 in Ontario and he was a member of numerous other service organizations. Pat was a voracious reader, an unparalleled thinker, and a man of admired integrity.

Pat is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary; a brother, Raymond Patterson, of Perrysburg; three children will miss him, David Barbara Patterson of Mt. Gilead, Laura Patterson, and Jeanie Sprague, both of Mansfield; and eight grandchildren will miss his voice, Anna Aaron Creswell, Emily Chris Donahue, Katy Patterson, Wesley Patterson, Libby Johnson, Zach Johnson, Colton Sprague, and Austin Sprague.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, February 19, 2006 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home conducted by Rev. James Winkler. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to the MedCentral Hospice or to the Ontario United Methodist Church.