Raymond Lewis Patterson

Raymond Lewis Patterson, 77, of Stephenville passed away Saturday, January 17, 2009 at home. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, January 22, 2009, at the Chapel, Stephenville Funeral Home with Rev. Curt Plaxco officiating. Interment will follow at West End Cemetery in Stephenville. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm Wednesday at Stephenville Funeral Home. Raymond was born on October 15, 1931, in Long Beach, California, to the late Lewis Lucas Patterson and the late Cecelia May LaFountain Patterson. He married Jo Ann Shaffer in Oklahoma City, OK, on July 9, 1950. Raymond revered America and, with parental signatures in hand due to his underage status, answered his country's call to service during the Korean War. With his thirst for learning and determination to always do his best, much recognition and honor came to him throughout his career. Career highlights included his work on NASA's Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo Space Capsules for the then, McDonnel Aircraft Corporation, St. Louis, Missouri, and his award winning career with the Federal Aviation Administration, from which he retired. Survivors include his beloved wife of 58 years, Jo Ann Patterson of the home; three daughters, Rayma and husband Bill Laughing of Stephenville, Lieu Ann and husband Joe Weaver of Newalla, Oklahoma, and Vivian Messer of Stephenville; three grandsons, Clint and wife Evelyn Weaver of Del City Oklahoma, and Timothy Messer and Andrew Messer of Stephenville; and two great-grandsons, Declan Weaver and Gavin Weaver of Del City, Oklahoma; and one great-granddaughter, Kyann Weaver also of Del City, Oklahoma. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Joe Raymond Weaver. Raymond's family will always cherish the lifetime example of Christian faith he lived, the joy he gave to us no matter what trial or circumstance may have been present, and the unfailing, never ending love he abundantly gave to all of us. With our utmost respect and honor, we will love and long for him until we join him in Heaven!!!