Don Thomas Patterson

Don Thomas Patterson was born to Thomas and Mattie Patterson on October 23, 1941, in Big Spring, Texas and went to be with the Lord on July 28, 2023. He lived in Texas, Oregon, Turkey, and Thailand before his death in Oregon. His parents, brother, two sisters, and two sons preceded him in death. He married Shawnna Patterson on September 15, 1979. Don raised two families. The first family consisted of five boys; his second consisted of two boys. His sons were: Roy (Kim), Darrell (deceased), Ray (Vicki), Rick (deceased), Michael (Tracie), Zack (Amanda), Cody (Heidi). He had 14 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren (too many to count!). Don worked as a butcher and then meat market manager for his entire life. He was the youngest meat market manager for Safeway in the Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas, area at the age of 21. He last worked as meat market manager for Bales Thriftway on Farmington Road in Aloha, Oregon. He retired at the age of 60 due to health issues and to allow his wife to be able to teach overseas. He went with her to both Turkey and Thailand where they lived from 2001-2009 where he took over all grocery shopping and cooking for them. Don loved to sing, and he was able to share God’s gift to him by singing at their church in Sherwood as well as both in Turkey and Thailand. Even though dementia took the words from him over the last few years, we are blessed to know that he is now singing with his Lord and Savior. Don and Shawnna shared many wonderful years together, and they loved to travel. His last years were spent living on Cody and Heidi’s property enjoying the peaceful surroundings and beautiful view of Mt. Hood. Shawnna’s most precious memory is when he said to her many years ago, “No one ever loved you like I loved you.” She was able to say those words back to him when she last saw him while he was in his final “home” on earth at the memory care center. We are thankful for his final care with staff at Arbor Oaks Memory Care Center, staff with Beloved Hospice (especially his nurse, Audrey), and Andrea Rouse, his end-of-life-doula. He will be missed by family and friends. Don’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 19, at 11 a.m. at Crossridge Church, 23550 SW Pine St, Sherwood, Oregon.

Don Thomas Patterson

October 23, 1941 - July 28, 2023