RJ Patterson

RJ "Bud" "Pat" Patterson age 91, of St. Louis, MI, passed away Friday, May 18, 2018, at Schnepp Health Care Center, St. Louis, MI.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on his birthday, Monday, May 21, 2018, with his family and friends officiating. Burial will take place at Ithaca Cemetery, Ithaca, MI. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 20, 2018 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.

RJ was born in Hamilton Township, MI on May 21, 1926, the son of Charles and Crystal (Stoner) Patterson. He married Thelma Bissell on February 10, 1945, in Ithaca, MI.

RJ retired from Total Refinery as a Heavy Equipment Operator. He liked hunting, fishing, mowing his lawn, and farming with his family.  RJ also enjoyed coffee and reading the newspaper with his friends at the local coffee shops. He loved the time spent with his family at Canadian Lakes, together they enjoyed ice skating, going for dune buggy rides, water skiing, and fishing. RJ and Thelma enjoyed riding motorcycles together and with the Alma Rockets. They spent many winters in Zephyrhills Florida together. RJ was a member of the American Legion and Elks Lodge for 57 years. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during WWII.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years Thelma Patterson of St. Louis, MI, sisters: Sandy and Norm Graham of Ithaca, MI, Leona and Bob Todd of Grand Rapids, MI. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  RJ was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Charles "Buck" Patterson, Melvin Patterson, and LJ "Red" Patterson; sisters: Peggy Marcus, Rosie Lawrence, Melba Kettle, Waneda Smith and Wynona Parks.

Memorials may be made to Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund, 4201 Campus Ridge Suite 1275, Midland, MI 48640 or a Charity of the Donor's Choice. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.