Fern Patrick

Alpha Fern Patrick was born June 28, 1930 in Abilene, Texas and came to Amarillo at the age of 6 weeks. She and George Earl Patrick met at Central Baptist Church in 1945. He returned home from World War II in 1946 and after a 3 day engagement they married. After having four children they moved to Springfield, Missouri to attend Bible College. They knew they had been called to be missionaries to Korea. In 1959 they left for Seoul, Korea where, upon first arrival, they fell in love with the Korean people, their country and culture. During that time Fern, in addition to being a missionary wife and raising four children, cared for 5 foster babies, trained Sunday school teachers, pastors’ wives, worked with youth camps and taught English classes. She volunteered for the USO, holding Bride School classes teaching Korean brides English, American customs and housekeeping skills preparing them for their new life in America. She escorted numerous orphan flights for Holt Adoption Agency, bringing adopted children to their new homes in America. In 1999 she and George retired in Amarillo after serving 41 years in Korea.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, their son Johnny and a grandson Ricky Bruch.

She is survived by three daughters, Diana Jolly and husband Larry, Charlotte Ruby and husband Terry, and Connie Thorson, all of Amarillo. In addition she is survived by 4 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 1 great- great grandchild.

Visitation will be at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Monday, July 26th from 5:00 to 7:00.

The Memorial service will be at Central Baptist Church on Tuesday, July 27th at 10:00 am with the grave side service at Memorial Park Cemetery following.

The officiant will be Pastor Allen Copeland with a message by Jerald Chadwick.

All memorials should go to Central Baptist Church 1601 SW. 58th Ave. Amarillo, Texas 79110 or to Meals on Wheels of Amarillo.