Colonel Joe Morris Patterson U.S. Air Force, Retired

Joe M. Patterson, D.D.S., Colonel US Air Force (retired), passed away July 8, 2015. He was born in Grady County, Oklahoma on July 31, 1929. Being raised on a cattle ranch, Joe knew at an early age that he did not want a life of herding cattle. After college at the University of Oklahoma and dental school in Kansas City, Missouri, Joe joined the Air Force as a dental surgeon. After serving his country for 30 years, and receiving numerous honors, he retired in 1980. Joe’s biggest passion in life was his wife, Doris E. Patterson. They met in the 6th grade. He sat at a desk behind Doris and pulled her hair. They were “buddies” but did not start dating until college, when they both came home on weekends, and love bloomed. They were married June 6, 1951, and moved to Kansas City, Missouri where he attended dental school. Upon graduating, he joined the Air Force and was stationed everywhere from Japan to Europe. Having two tours in Texas, they decided to retire in San Antonio, Texas. He and Doris spent many happy years traveling and perusing their love of adventure. Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Doris E Patterson, daughter Dowanne Steen, four grandchildren Jillian Cunningham, Jeffrey Patterson, Austin and Ariel Ximenes, and two great grandchildren Asher and Soren Cunningham. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 14, 2015 from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Colonial Funeral Home. A chapel service will be held Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 12:30 p.m. in the Army Residence Community Chapel. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 2:15 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, with a reception to follow at the Army Retirement Community.