William Patterson Sr.

William Bruce "Sarge" Patterson, Sr., 68, of Pryor, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2015 in Springfield, Missouri. He was born on June 3, 1946 in Roswell, New Mexico; the son of Elmer and Frances Patterson. He married Charlene Smith on April 30, 1965 in Brea, California. Sarge faithfully served his country in the United States Marine Corps and retired after 21 years of service. During his military career he also worked part time jobs off base. After retiring from the military, he went to work as a truck driver for 25 years. He worked for High Sierra Transport, Cooper Trucking, Kester Grain, and Trucks For You. Sarge was a member of the Pleasant View Baptist Church in Pryor, and looked forward to going on their annual fishing trips with his buddies. He also looked forward to spending time outdoors and going camping. Sarge loved to visit with everyone he saw and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He leaves behind many memories and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be held on April 8, 2015 in the Pleasant View Baptist Church with Reverend Jerold Pilant officiating. Burial will follow in the Graham Memorial Cemetery with Bruce Patterson, Jr., Jimmy Elmore, Andy Pilant, Patrick Pilant, Ronny Jones and Mike McFarland. Honorary casket bearers will be Jerold Pilant and Steve Shipman. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2015 in the Shipman's Funeral Home Chapel. To leave his family a message, please visit his Book of Memories at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman's Funeral & Cremation Service. Sarge is survived by his wife, Charlene Patterson of the home; his son, William Bruce Patterson, Jr. and girlfriend Nancy Bertrand of Crandall, Texas; his daughter, Delores K. Martin and boyfriend Quinton Been of Crandall, Texas; 7 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild and one on the way; sisters, Janice Patterson of Texas and Faye Frogge of Texas; nieces, Ella Fay Mason and husband Jan of Loving, New Mexico, Beth and husband David Woodruff of Hugo, Oklahoma, Renita Anderson of Hugo, Oklahoma, Rhonda Anderson of Loving, New Mexico, Brenda King of Katy, Texas; nephews, Steven and wife Vivien Anderson of Loving, New Mexico; many other nieces and nephews; sister in laws, May Elmore of Pryor, Oklahoma, Sandra Snelson of Amarillo, Texas, Lillian Eberting and husband Tracy of Stinnett, Texas, and Brenda Tolbert of Amarillo, Texas; brother in laws, Jesse Daniels of Amarillo, Texas and David Daniels of Amarillo, Texas. He is preceded in death, parents and sister, Miriam Patterson, and grandparents.

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