Joe Patterson

The youngest of six sons of Pierce and Lessie Mae Patterson, Joe was born in Wilson, Oklahoma, on February 19, 1925.

Proceeded in death by LaVerne, his parents and brothers, Joe is survived by his son, Mike Patterson (Joy) of Edmond, OK, and his daughter, Janet Barnes (Charles) of Plano, TX, as well as grandchildren Amy Chaney (Mark), Natalie Nenovich (Corey), Briana McGinnis (Brent), Bridget Mohrmann, and Jared Mohrmann (Holly), and ten great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews and sister in law Colleen Smith that he loved dearly.

Immediately after graduating Wilson High School in 1943, Joe began his military service with the Army Air Corps as a pilot. After WWII, Joe continued in military service, flying both airplanes and helicopters before retiring from the Oklahoma National Guard in 1985 as a Chief Warrant Officer IV. A corporate pilot outside of military service, Joe flew for several energy companies and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation before retiring in 1985. Throughout his post WWII career, and until 2007, he was a flight instructor, and for a time served as an FAA examiner, having taught and tested hundreds of new aviators in both airplanes and helicopters.

The consummate professional aviator, Joe logged more than 34,000 hours doing what he loved, flying. That love of flying lead to Joe obtaining his Airline Transport Rating early in his career and finding opportunities to gain additional type ratings in several aircraft including airplanes, helicopters, and gliders. Joe was a proud member of the Quiet Birdmen. Some of the most rewarding time Joe had flying was introducing children to the world of aviation, especially his grandchildren.

Joe and LaVerne met in elementary school in Wilson and “courted” each other until marrying on July 14, 1945, at Langley Field in Virginia. Married for 67 years, they purchased their first home in The Village, OK, in 1951 and owned it until LaVerne’s death in 2012. Shortly after that, Joe moved to Plano, TX, where he lived until his death. Joe and LaVerne were dedicated members of Village United Methodist Church starting as charter members in 1951.

A true believer in education who had a thirst for knowledge, Joe supported and encouraged his wife and children to earn their college and postgraduate degrees before obtaining his Associate’s Degree in Aviation from Rose State College in 1993 at the age of 68.

Not one to ever sit still, as Joe’s flying activities slowed down, he began spending more time as a community volunteer. Most of that time was spent serving the Britvil Community Food Pantry and delivering food with Mobile Meals.

Joe was “that guy” for his friends and family, the calm and steady advisor that would listen to anyone and provide comforting and wise counsel. A man with a great sense of humor who loved to tease people, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He would often use the children in his family as a reason to eat more ice cream.

A mask-required memorial service will be held at the Memorial Park Funeral Home in Oklahoma City at 2:00 Saturday, February 6th, with internment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Britvil Community Food Pantry, Village Methodist Church, or to a charity of your choice.