David was a Rocky Grove High School graduate. He went on to graduate from Penn State University with a forestry degree. He joined the Navy and served as a combat rescue pilot in Vietnam. After his service in the Navy he received a Master's degree in Wood utilization from Colorado State University. His PHD came from Texas A & M University with a degree in Wood Utilization and Mechanical Engineering. He was a professor at West Virginia University for 14 years and a professor of Wood Science at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where he retired in 2010. David was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He was a deer triple trophy winner for 7 years. He was an active church member at Calvary Baptist Church of Monticello where he served as deacon and Sunday school teacher.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Karon Shea; and his brother, Frank Lee Patterson.
Survivors include his wife, Geraldine "Gerry" Patterson of Monticello, who he married June 24, 1974; two daughters, Suzanne Hunter (Joey) of Fordyce, AR, and Roxane Gast (Anthony) of Colorado Springs, CO; a son, Sean Patterson (Leanne) of Warren, AR; a sister Patsy Miller (Paul) of Utica; a brother, Larry Patterson (Barbara) of Groveland, FL; 2 grandsons Michael Gast and Dakota Gast, of Colorado Springs, CO; 3 granddaughters Tabatha Gast, Mary Gast, and Grace Gast all of Colorado Springs, CO; 3 grand dogs, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
A private family graveside service will be Monday, April 6, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in Oakland Cemetery, Monticello, Arkansas. Please sign the online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(44)
Kenny hunter - kj hunter
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 23, 2020 I love you so much I will always miss you you will always be in my heart and love God bless the family will be always miss I know you are way in a better place I love you so much you will be missLove
Kenny joe hunter
June Brashear
Lufkin, TX Saturday, April 11, 2020 Sorry to hear about Dave. Love from all the Brashears and God Bless you and the children.Kelly & Anna Koonce
Monticello, AR Saturday, April 11, 2020 We are so sorry about your loss!Gerry, we are thinking of you and your
family during this time!
Sincerely, Kelly & Anna Koonce
Larry & Bettie Smith
Lufkin, TX Friday, April 10, 2020 Our deepest sympathy to you, Gerry and your family. Dave and I had some great times umpiring youth baseball! We enjoyed some good suppers.Kay (White) Hines
Seneca, PA Friday, April 10, 2020 Prayers for you at this time. Dave was my cousin and I always loved him. My sister spent a lot of time at his house while we were all growing up. His sister Karen was a day younger than my sister Chris. I was closer to Lees age. I always looked up to and admired Dave.Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Ziatz
Morgantown, WV Thursday, April 9, 2020 We were so sorry to learn of David's passing . We remember David and Gerry with love and respect from many happy days at church in Morgantown when our children were young . We know that David is rejoicing with our Lord and Savior, and that we will meet once again. We send our love to Gerry and the family. You remain in our prayers.Lynn Sanders
Huffman, TX Wednesday, April 8, 2020 I remember Dave when He and Gerry were our Sunday School teachers at Denman Ave Baptist church in Lufkin, TX. Both made a lasting impression because of their love for Jesus Christ! You will be missed Dave! I’m praying for you Gerry and your family. God will sustain you during this time, just lean on Him.Lynn and Elton Sanders
Teresa Matkin
Fordyce, AR Monday, April 6, 2020 Suzanne,Praying for you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Marion Pharr
Wilmar, AR Monday, April 6, 2020 So sorry for your lossMy prayers are with the family!
Marion Pharr
Wilmar, AR Monday, April 6, 2020 My prayers are with the family!Dennie Miller
Sandy Lake, PA Monday, April 6, 2020 My deepest sympathies to Gerry and family. It was an honor to know Dave and to be able to call him my best friend.Bill & Kim Havard
Huntington, TX Monday, April 6, 2020 Gerry, Bill and I are praying for you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss. Love in Christ, KimCharles Roberts
Lufkin, TX Sunday, April 5, 2020 Doris and I are praying for you. Dave was a gifted man. He loved the Lord and was such a blessing.Bryant Family
Monticello, AR Sunday, April 5, 2020 We are so thankful for God to have allowed us to serve along side Bro. Dave and to witness his devotion to serve God and those around him. We will miss him dearly!Marilyn Nerren
Lufkin, TX Sunday, April 5, 2020 I am so sorry for your loss. Praying God comforts each of you during this time.Tina Ferguson
MONTICELLO, AR Sunday, April 5, 2020 Suzzane and Family;I am so sorry to hear of your father's/husband's passing.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Dewayne Weldon
Huntington, TX Sunday, April 5, 2020 Dave was a solid rock on our staff at the Texas Forest Products Lab and a dear and cherished friend.Karen Brown
Wilmar, AR Sunday, April 5, 2020 Dear Gerry, I am heartbroken for you. Asking for Gods peace for you and your family at this time.Karen Derryberry
Monticello, AR Sunday, April 5, 2020 I am praying for you all. I look forward to the day I can give you a hug!John McAlpine
MONTICELLO, AR Saturday, April 4, 2020 He will be greatly missed.John & Paige Stell
Monticello, AR Saturday, April 4, 2020 You are all in our thoughts and prayers during the days ahead.Love, John, Paige, & boys
Judy Lassiter
Monticello, AR Saturday, April 4, 2020 Gerry, Jack and I are so sorry to learn of your loss. Dave was a fine gentleman whose friendship we both enjoyed. Please know that we are thinking of you and your family at this sad time and that we are remembering all of you in our prayers.Judy and Jack Lassiter
Ron Milam
Missoula, MT Saturday, April 4, 2020 Brother Dave - Rest in Peace - Fair Winds and Following SeaSeaDevil- BLESS YOU
Paul & Patricia miller
Utica, PA Saturday, April 4, 2020 Our deepest sympathies to Gerry and the rest of the family. Dave’s at peace but my heart is hurting. Love to you all.Cheryle S. Highsmith
Fordyce, AR Friday, April 3, 2020 Suzanne, I'm praying for you and family.Love & Blessings Always,
Cheryle
Barbara McElroy Posey
Monticello, AR Friday, April 3, 2020 Mrs. Gerry and family. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.Stewart flurry
Lufkin, TX Friday, April 3, 2020 I'm sorry for the loss,he will be missedChrystal and Alessandro Zecca
West Milton, PA Friday, April 3, 2020 R.I.P. Uncle Dave. I remember a summer at your house in WVa. You gave me wonderful advice and taught me to pray. You will always be in our hearts. It gives me comfort to know you are in heaven keeping my father company and helping with the massive task of watching over all us down here awaiting our turn. May your family find peace knowing your unwavering faith in the Lord landed you in his heavenly arms.Jeff & Terri Longing
Monticello, AR Friday, April 3, 2020 Brother Dave, Lt. Patterson, Dr. Patterson; whatever he was known by, was a great man and a follower of Jesus. Although he was a colleague of mine at UAM, I was able to know him personally as my Sunday school teacher. During my first visit, I instantly knew he was a man of God. Brother Dave lived an extraordinary life; from serving in the military as a Naval Aviator to earning a professorship at the university. Although he had some spectacular accomplishments, he would rarely talk about them unless asked. He would; however, not hesitate to talk about Jesus. After his diagnosis, he continued to serve the Lord as our teacher with a sense of joy. He was an inspiration and will continue to be an inspiration through his memory. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Ms. Gerry and the rest of the family. Brother Dave will be greatly missed.Judy Howard
Monticello, AR Friday, April 3, 2020 So sorry to hear of Dr. Patterson's passing.Prayers to all of his family.
It was a honor to know and work with him at UAM.
Loved swapping deer stories with him. Have has gained another Angel.
R.I.P. Dr. Patterson
Your Families are in my prayers.
Sandra Adams
Crossett, AR Friday, April 3, 2020 I remember him as a true gentleman and Christian. I can still see him walking to the pulpit, he had a great voice. I know his wife and the family will miss him. But maybe God needed another angel. And I believe he will be a guardian angel always to his family. Wayne and I send prayers your way to allJudy Hubbell
Wilmar, AR Friday, April 3, 2020 Suzanne, I am so sorry about he death of your father. Prayers for you and your family.Kay McAnally
Lake Village, AR Friday, April 3, 2020 Gerry, I was So sad to hear of David's passing. Prayers for you and family. Kay God give you peace and comfort.Kay and Garland McAnally
Ron & Linda Pressgrove
West memphis, AR Friday, April 3, 2020 Your in our prayersDave was a joy to be around and he will be missed
Rocky and Alicia Lindsey
Warren, AR Friday, April 3, 2020 It’s tough losing a dad. Praying for the Peace that God will give.Samantha Axsom
Fordyce, AR Friday, April 3, 2020 Many prayers for your family! I have taught with Suzanne for 14 years and have grown to learn all of you by name! I pray for peace and comfort that only comes from God! Hugs!Ben Babst
Monticello, AR Friday, April 3, 2020 My condolences. I arrived in School of Forestry just after David retired, but I saw him on occasion. He will be deeply missed.Hope & Don Bragg
Monticello, AR Friday, April 3, 2020 It was always a treat to work with Dave on projects with youth, or simply talking in the halls at UAM! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this time.Susan Wishard
Monticello, AR Friday, April 3, 2020 Gerry- so sorry to hear of Dr. Patterson’s passing. I will be praying for God to give you peace and comfort during this time. God bless you and your family.Cherry Cotham
Monticello, AR Friday, April 3, 2020 Gerry, I am so sorry For your loss. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:2 is my prayer for you and your family.Floyd Harper
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 2, 2020 Brother Dave was such a blessing to me and my family. He was a mentor of mine through my serving as a Sunday school teacher and a deacon at Calvary. He was such a blessing to me after surrendering to preach I love and will miss him so much. I do know he is with the Father as I type this. Love you Ms Gerry !!!Floyd
Lori McCoy
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 2, 2020 Please accept my most sincere condolences. I am heartbroken for you and your family. So many prayers for you all.Kay Worbington
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 2, 2020 Dear Gerry and family, You all have my prayers and sympathy at your great loss. I pray that God will grant you peace and comfort at the very sad time.Lelia Davis
MONTICELLO, AR Thursday, April 2, 2020 Gerry my thoughts are with you now. May God take this heartbreak and leave you at peace.I love you and am praying for you