Henry Barto "Pat" Patterson Jr.

Henry Barto “Pat” Patterson Jr., longtime Houston resident, passed away on Sunday, the 20th of July 2014. He was born on the 7th of December 1928, in Liberty, Texas to Henry Barto Patterson Sr. and Audrey Marsh. He grew up in Beaumont, where he attended and graduated from South Park High School.

After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Air Force as a radio operator on a B-26 Bomber. Pat was one of two servicemen from Texas appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy by then Senator Lyndon Johnson. He entered into active duty in 1946 with the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, at the Marine Barracks, U.S. Naval Station in Annapolis, MD, obtaining the rank of Corporal specializing as a radio operator and was honorably discharged in 1949, earning a World War II Victory Medal.

Upon his return from the military, Pat attended Lamar University in Beaumont and then transferred to the University of Houston, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering and later earned a Masters in Physics at U of H. It was during his time at the University of Houston, that Pat met Nancy Jane Trice, while planning Frontier Fiesta. Pat and Nancy were married on the 20th of November 1953. While at U of H, Pat and Nancy meet their longtime friends, Harris and Lottie Smith. Pat worked as an electrical engineer with Dresser Industries from where he retired.

Pat was extremely active with the Boy Scouts of America, where he obtained the highest rank Eagle Scout, and was awarded the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service. He attended the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico for three years (1973, 1974 & 1976).

Fly fishing and fly tying were Pat’s favorite pastime. One of his favorite fly fishing spots was on his yearly trip with Nancy to Harmel’s Resort Ranch in Gunnison, Colorado, fly fishing on the Taylor River. He loved vacationing with his wife and family in Crested Butte, Estes Park, Breckenridge, Snowmass, and Aspen. Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons were other favorite spots for fly fishing on the Snake River with his hand tied flies.

Yellowstone National Park was among his favorite places to explore and view wildlife. He and Nancy loved the Texas Hill Country and spending time at their place at The Hills in Lakeway.

Pat had a great interest in astronomy and star gazing, owning several powerful telescopes to star gaze. He even bought and named a real star called Lynx Star. He was an avid reader of books and magazines on the subjects of astronomy, physics, technology, photography, investing and religion. Pat and Nancy were active members of the Genesis Class at Chapelwood United Methodist Church. He enjoyed Bible Study Class and attending church.

H.B. was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Nancy Jane Patterson. He is survived by his son, Frederic “Fred” Patterson, daughter, Marjory “Margie” Jane Wedemeyer and husband, Richard David Machain; grandson, Howard Barkley Wedemeyer Jr., grand-daughter, Allison Jane Offterdinger; and great-grand-daughter, Olivia Jane Offterdinger; his siblings, Patricia Patterson O’Neal, Jerry Marshal Patterson, Lois Patterson Morin and Sidney Arthur Patterson.

A memorial service is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Monday, the 28th of July 2014, in the chapel of Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay Street in Houston, where Rev. Wick Stuckey, Pastor of Caring Ministries, is to officiate.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the Sunshine Room of Chapelwood United Methodist Church.

Prior to the memorial service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston, with military honors accorded by a Marine Corps Honor Guard.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to the Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Foundation for the Nancy Patterson Scholarship; The Brookwood Community, 1752 FM 1489, Brookshire, TX, 77423; or to Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay Street, Houston, TX, 77024.