Melvin Thomas Patterson

Born on April 28, 1945, in Santa Monica, California, Tom lived a full and meaningful life. He was smart, dependable, and respected by everyone who knew him.

Tom is survived by his spouse, Billie Patterson; his children, Shem Patterson and wife Christy, Daniel Patterson and husband Marcus, and Elizabeth Cruz and husband Tom; his grandchildren, Benjamin,

Anderson, and Shem; his niece, Marji; and his brother Larry and wife Pam.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pat and Eva Patterson.

Tom served in the United States Marine Corps from 1963 to 1967, where he was a medic in Vietnam.

He was a creative businessman, always interested in starting and growing new and exciting projects.

Tom started a Farmer’s Insurance agency that he ran with his wife, Billie, for more than 20 years. He was a great gardener and always interested in different philosophies of life.

A service celebrating Tom’s life will be held on September 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona located at 2929 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024, United States.