Pat Bailey Patterson Obituary (1939

Pat Bailey Patterson, 85, was born in Trenton, Texas, on February 2, 1939, to Eddie Inez Bailey and Roscoe Oran Patterson Jr. He entered the arms of Jesus on December 17, 2024, in Midlothian, Texas. As a child, Pat moved with his family to Dallas, where his father worked in an aerospace plant. They eventually settled on Dutton Drive, where Pat formed lifelong bonds with friends he lovingly called "The Dutton Street Gang." He graduated from Sunset High School in 1956 and joined the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University, majoring in Electrical Engineering. After graduation, Pat worked for Lockheed Martin in California for two years before being commissioned as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Germany before returning to civilian life to begin a long career at LTV in Grand Prairie, Texas. In 1966, Pat met Marilyn through mutual friends. They began dating on New Year's 1967, were engaged by July 4, and married on August 12, 1967, in Heath, Texas. The couple made their home in Oak Cliff, where they welcomed their three daughters, before moving to Midlothian in 1980. Pat and Marilyn joined First Methodist Church in Midlothian, where he became deeply involved in ministry. He participated in men's breakfasts, taught youth Sunday School, mentored confirmation classes, served on committees and boards, and sang in the choir alongside Marilyn for many years. He was active in the Emmaus Community, helping lead retreats that brought others closer to Christ, including bringing the Emmaus Community to Ireland. Pat also participated in accountability groups and Bible studies, always focused on building relationships that nurtured faith. Outside of church, he was a member of the Dallas Masonic Lodge and actively supported his daughters in Girl Scouts. At LTV, Pat spent almost 40 years working on significant projects in the missiles division, including the Scout Missile, ERINT, and the PAC-3 Patriot Missile Program. He retired in 2002 from what had become Lockheed Martin. Retirement marked the beginning of a new chapter. Pat started a business teaching concealed carry handgun courses, selling firearms, and offering gunsmith services. He cherished the connections he built with customers and local businesses, teaching classes at Busy B's and Doolee's bakeries. He also joined the Vought Retirees Club and contributed to restoring airplanes for museums. Throughout his retirement, he maintained weekly breakfasts with the Dutton Street Gang and church accountability groups. Pat and Marilyn traveled extensively, fulfilling bucket-list dreams that took them to the Panama Canal, Alaska, Hawaii, the Holy Land, Normandy, Ireland, the Mediterranean, Germany, England, and Scotland. They also explored the U.S., enjoying trips to the fall foliage of New England, Utah, Savannah, and the Texas coast. For 16 years, they celebrated family trips to South Padre Island, creating cherished memories with their children and grandchildren. Pat was preceded in death by his parents, R.O. Patterson Jr. and Eddie Inez Bailey, and his son, Philip Len Patterson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Marilyn Kay Brummett Patterson; daughters Evelyn Marie and husband Mark Patton of College Station, Stephanie Kay and husband Jason Frankiewicz of Midlothian, and Jennifer Lyn and husband Matt Bailey of Blooming Grove; seven grandchildren, Jesse Bailey and wife Megan, Hannah and husband Kevin Etheridge, Claire Patton, Nathan Frankiewicz, Natalie Frankiewicz, Emma Bailey, and James Bailey; three great-grandchildren, Presley and Waylon Bailey, and Trevor Etheridge; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Services for Pat Patterson will be held at First Methodist Church in Midlothian, Texas, with visitation on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary, and a service on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the Family Life Center. Interment will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Heath Cemetery in Heath, Texas