Obituary of Lt. Col. Claude W. Patterson

Lt. Col.Claude W. Patterson, 87, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away June 10, 2007. Born February 17,1920 in Mercer County, he was the son of the late Ezra and Virgil Patterson. He was a graduate of McAfee High School and attended Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. He entered the Army Air Corps in 1940 and received his flight training in Texas. He served in the South Pacific area where he flew 301 combat missions. Upon his return from overseas, he served in a multitude of military assignments throughout the United States. After an honorable and distinguished career, he retired from the Air Force in 1960. He received numerous commendations including the Distinguished Flying Cross with four oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Presidential Unit Citation with one oak leaf cluster, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the Armed Forces Longevity Service Award with four oak leaf clusters. He further served with the Air Force Security Service as a civilian until he again retired in 1982. He was an elder and long time member of Beacon Hill Presbyterian Church in San Antonio. He joined the Masons while living in Fairbanks, Alaska and continued his membership while living in Texas. His brother, Houston Patterson, preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Rena Lawson Patterson, two sons: William B. Patterson (Karen) of Manvel, Texas, Michael L. Patterson (Sandra) of Indian Hills, Colorado, and grandchildren: Heide Castenada, Jonathan Patterson and Lisa Levad, and Brian and Hannah Patterson, two sisters: Mary McCrosky and Velois Garriott and sister-in-law Vera Patterson all of Harrodsburg. Funeral Services will be at the Ransdell Funeral Chapel, Wednesday, June 20th @ 11:00 AM, with Doctor Arthur DeYoung officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, June 19th after 5:00 PM. at the Ransdell Funeral Chapel.