Joe M. Patterson

Joe M. Patterson, age 80 of Ozark, passed away Thursday, May 23, 2013. He was born February 7, 1933 in Stilwell, Oklahoma, the son of Arthur and Verna (Kelly) Patterson, the seventh of 12 children. On July 5, 1952 he married Ollie B. Green. Joe served his country during the Korean Conflict in the U.S. Army. He received a Specialist in Education degree Ed.S., and worked for 37 years in that field. Joe served eleven years in Kansas as a teacher and administrator, 26 years in Missouri and 23 years in Carl Junction, where he was Assistant Superintendent. Joe trusted Christ as his Savior and was baptized at First Baptist Church, Carl Junction in 1992. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Ozark, a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed gardening and fishing. Joe also worked on Senate Bill 40, regarding Handicapped Housing. Survivors include: his wife of 60 years, Ollie B. Patterson, of Ozark; a daughter, Linda Patterson, Ozark; three sons, Steve Patterson and wife Diann, Webb City, Dr. Kevin Patterson and wife Sarah, Ozark and David Patterson and wife Angela, Ozark; ten grandchildren, Micah Patterson and wife Robin, Jessica Rimmer and husband Terry, Leah Rush and husband Scott, Sarah Beth Patterson, Kaleb Patterson, Keaton Patterson, Kramer Patterson, Trenton Patterson and wife Ashley, Alyssa Patterson and Teagon Patterson; two great grandchildren, Luke Patterson and Myles Rimmer; five sisters, Christine Hunter, Sue Asbill, Barbara Johnson, Sheridan Patterson and Billie Garrett; and a host of nieces of nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Herbert Patterson, Paul Patterson, HP Patterson and Edwin Patterson; two sisters, Jewell Defenbaugh and Carolyn Lowe and his lifelong friend, Dr. Jerry Stark. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday in First Baptist Church, Ozark, with Reverend Steve Patterson and Pastor Troy Rhoden officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in Weaver Cemetery, Ozark, with Pastor Jim Jeffries officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday in Adams Funeral Home, Ozark. Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund or Bright Futures, USA.