Edward Wesley Patterson Jr., 77, transitioned into his eternal reward on October 28th, 2021. Ed was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and he received his final calling, an appointment which he could not refuse. He loved the Lord with all his heart and was very involved in church activities until his health began to fail. Ed’s work on this terrestrial plane was complete.
He served proudly as a detective with the Phoenix Police Department for 32 years before retiring to spend more time with his family. He served as a reserve officer from 1999 – 2003. In 1977, Ed was the recipient of the Medal of Valor after saving two people from a burning vehicle. He received numerous other awards and accolades throughout his career.
Ed married Linda on September 16th, 1967 and spent the rest of his life with one goal: to make her smile. He went out of his way to perform both small tasks and grand gestures to make her happy, and he refused to go anywhere without his wedding ring. He wanted everyone to know she was his only love. His devotion to Linda was second to none.
Ed will be remembered as a bolo tie and cowboy hat wearing comedian, known for his storytelling and occasional guitar playing. He was a grill-master, but also had a fierce affection for sardines and tamales. Ed will be most remembered as a brave, humble, and selfless father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who could ‘take and pass’ with the best of them.
Ed was preceded in death by his daughter Tiffany, his parents Edward Sr and Barbara Lee, and sister Patricia. Ed leaves behind his wife of fifty-four years, Linda Patterson; brother Gary Patterson (Lucy), his sons Shane Patterson (Donna), Joseph Patterson (Amy), and Bryan Patterson; daughters Stacey Patterson, Charissa Merchen (Dave), Amanda Patterson, Janalyn Whiting, and Bethany Raue (Cody), twenty-four grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Viewing and visitation will be from 10 - 11:30am with services following at 12 noon on Saturday November 13th at the LDS church located at 5250 W. Thunderbird Road in Glendale. Graveside services will follow at Greenwood Memory Lawn located at 719 N. 27th Avenue in Phoenix.
Flowers and sentiments for family can be sent in care of Edward W. Patterson Jr. to:
Greenwood Memory Lawn (www.greenwoodmemorylawn.com)
719 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85009
(please have deliveries to the funeral home arrive prior to the morning of the 13th)
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